Leigh Port is one of the most important working harbours on the Thames Estuary and a key part of Southend’s heritage. The Council is committed to securing its long-term future so that the site can continue supporting the fishing and cockling industry, local jobs and the wider community for many years to come.
Planning Application - Current Public Consultation
As part of the planning application, a public consultation is now live. We encourage everyone to take a look at the plans and share their comments. Your feedback helps ensure the regeneration reflects local needs and supports the long-term future of Leigh Port.
Please visit the planning link here:
https://publicaccess.southend.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=SN72SXPAFUG00
Further updates and opportunities to engage with the project team will be provided throughout 2026 and during construction, so the community can stay informed every step of the way.
What This Means for Leigh-on-Sea
When complete, the regeneration will bring long lasting benefits for the port, the community and the industries that rely on it.
£22m LEIGH PORT REGENERATION - Project Update
Supporting the Long-Term Future of Leigh’s Working Port - Background
Leigh Port is one of the most important working harbours on the Thames Estuary and a key part of Southend’s heritage. The Council is committed to securing its long-term future so that the site can continue supporting the fishing and cockling industry, local jobs and the wider community for many years to come.
The regeneration programme is moving forward with real momentum and continues to progress positively toward construction. We are working at pace to reach the stages required before works can begin, with an aim to start on site in October 2026 subject to planning approval, environmental licences and continued coordination with the local industry. There is still work to do, but we remain confident that the project can move forward as planned.
Why the Port Needs Investment
The regeneration focuses on essential infrastructure that will help the port operate safely and efficiently in the future. These improvements are based on engineering assessments, environmental requirements and the needs of the fishing and cockling community.
The project will provide:
1. A new quay wall
The existing wall is ageing and approaching the end of its expected service life. Replacing it will maintain the structural integrity of the port and ensure operations can continue reliably in the decades ahead.
2. Better facilities for fishermen and cocklers
The works will improve ground conditions, access, services and operational areas which will support the day to day running of the fishing and cockling fleet and help local businesses operate more efficiently.
3. Modern drainage and environmental protection
Upgraded drainage will meet current environmental standards and support the protection of sensitive local habitats including the important seagrass beds.
The Key Benefits of the Regeneration
The Leigh Port investment programme includes improvements to four core areas:
- A new reinforced quay wall with modern piling and support structures to ensure long term stability and reliability.
- New and upgraded drainage designed to manage stormwater and process water in line with current environmental standards.
- Improved surfaces and pavements across working areas to support safer and more efficient day to day operations.
- Dredging to maintain appropriate water depths for vessels and keep the port functioning as an active working harbour.
The improvements will:
• Support the local fishing and cockling industries, which remain a valued and important part of Leigh’s identity
• Provide modernised infrastructure that helps the port operate efficiently and meet the needs of today’s working harbour
• Enhance protection of the marine environment and local wildlife, including improvements to drainage and water management
• Safeguard local employment linked to the day to day activities of the port
• Secure the long term future of this historic working harbour so it can continue to thrive for generations to come
These upgrades allow the port to evolve responsibly and stay resilient into the future, ensuring it remains a place of activity, heritage and opportunity for the whole community.
Our current timeline gives a helpful guide to when each stage of the project is expected to take place. This will continue to be updated as we work through planning and licensing processes.
- Surveys and preparatory assessments are planned from spring to summer 2026
- Site setup is expected to begin in late summer 2026
- Main construction works are planned to start in October 2026 and continue through to spring 2028.
- Demobilisation and final finishing works will take place during spring 2028.
All timings remain subject to securing the necessary approvals and licences.
Working with the Community
We continue to work closely with local fishermen and cocklers, residents, businesses, statutory bodies and environmental partners. Their experience and insight are an important part of shaping the project as it progresses.
The public consultation is now live. Please visit the link:
https://publicaccess.southend.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=SN72SXPAFUG00
Leigh Port is one of the most important working harbours on the Thames Estuary and a key part of Southend’s heritage. The Council is committed to securing its long-term future so that the site can continue supporting the fishing and cockling industry, local jobs and the wider community for many years to come.
Planning Application - Current Public Consultation
As part of the planning application, a public consultation is now live. We encourage everyone to take a look at the plans and share their comments. Your feedback helps ensure the regeneration reflects local needs and supports the long-term future of Leigh Port.
Please visit the planning link here:
https://publicaccess.southend.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=SN72SXPAFUG00
Further updates and opportunities to engage with the project team will be provided throughout 2026 and during construction, so the community can stay informed every step of the way.
What This Means for Leigh-on-Sea
When complete, the regeneration will bring long lasting benefits for the port, the community and the industries that rely on it.
£22m LEIGH PORT REGENERATION - Project Update
Supporting the Long-Term Future of Leigh’s Working Port - Background
Leigh Port is one of the most important working harbours on the Thames Estuary and a key part of Southend’s heritage. The Council is committed to securing its long-term future so that the site can continue supporting the fishing and cockling industry, local jobs and the wider community for many years to come.
The regeneration programme is moving forward with real momentum and continues to progress positively toward construction. We are working at pace to reach the stages required before works can begin, with an aim to start on site in October 2026 subject to planning approval, environmental licences and continued coordination with the local industry. There is still work to do, but we remain confident that the project can move forward as planned.
Why the Port Needs Investment
The regeneration focuses on essential infrastructure that will help the port operate safely and efficiently in the future. These improvements are based on engineering assessments, environmental requirements and the needs of the fishing and cockling community.
The project will provide:
1. A new quay wall
The existing wall is ageing and approaching the end of its expected service life. Replacing it will maintain the structural integrity of the port and ensure operations can continue reliably in the decades ahead.
2. Better facilities for fishermen and cocklers
The works will improve ground conditions, access, services and operational areas which will support the day to day running of the fishing and cockling fleet and help local businesses operate more efficiently.
3. Modern drainage and environmental protection
Upgraded drainage will meet current environmental standards and support the protection of sensitive local habitats including the important seagrass beds.
The Key Benefits of the Regeneration
The Leigh Port investment programme includes improvements to four core areas:
- A new reinforced quay wall with modern piling and support structures to ensure long term stability and reliability.
- New and upgraded drainage designed to manage stormwater and process water in line with current environmental standards.
- Improved surfaces and pavements across working areas to support safer and more efficient day to day operations.
- Dredging to maintain appropriate water depths for vessels and keep the port functioning as an active working harbour.
The improvements will:
• Support the local fishing and cockling industries, which remain a valued and important part of Leigh’s identity
• Provide modernised infrastructure that helps the port operate efficiently and meet the needs of today’s working harbour
• Enhance protection of the marine environment and local wildlife, including improvements to drainage and water management
• Safeguard local employment linked to the day to day activities of the port
• Secure the long term future of this historic working harbour so it can continue to thrive for generations to come
These upgrades allow the port to evolve responsibly and stay resilient into the future, ensuring it remains a place of activity, heritage and opportunity for the whole community.
Our current timeline gives a helpful guide to when each stage of the project is expected to take place. This will continue to be updated as we work through planning and licensing processes.
- Surveys and preparatory assessments are planned from spring to summer 2026
- Site setup is expected to begin in late summer 2026
- Main construction works are planned to start in October 2026 and continue through to spring 2028.
- Demobilisation and final finishing works will take place during spring 2028.
All timings remain subject to securing the necessary approvals and licences.
Working with the Community
We continue to work closely with local fishermen and cocklers, residents, businesses, statutory bodies and environmental partners. Their experience and insight are an important part of shaping the project as it progresses.
The public consultation is now live. Please visit the link:
https://publicaccess.southend.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=SN72SXPAFUG00
