Overview

• The £69m programme has raised and widened the promenade and strengthened sea defences, with works now largely in place.
• SC2 waterpark has reopened after an 18‑month closure caused by storm damage, restoring a key attraction.
• Queen’s Market street‑food hall opened last month and has drawn traders and thousands of customers within weeks.
• Merlin Cinemas has taken over the former Vue complex, reinstating a multi‑screen cinema for the town.
• The cleared SeaQuarium site is open as public space as plans progress for its future use, alongside a £20m, 10‑year neighbourhood investment plan, with visitors praising improvements but noting litter and low footfall.