Age Concern Southend

The Haven Hub Update – Restoring our beautiful building!

As you may know, in 2025 we achieved our long-term goal of raising enough funds to purchase the Havens building. Our mission for 2026 is to continue this journey by securing the resources needed to restore this Grade II listed building built in 1935 to its former glory.

As part of this work, we are submitting a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

If successful, the funding would allow us to renovate the front façade, restore the beautiful roof lanterns, refurbish the shopfront canopy, and update the signage.

Alongside, these improvements, we also want to honour and share the rich history of the building, and we hope to use the Haven’s windows as a creative space to do this.

We would love to involve the community in shaping this project. Your ideas and feedback will help us to make the best use of the windows to celebrate the heritage of the Haven as a department store, as well as the wider history of Hamlet Court Road (once known as ‘the Bond Street of Essex), and Westcliff.

If you have a couple minutes to spare, we would love to hear your opinions to gather as much community insight as possible.

The Haven Community Hub Survey 2026

Name
First Last
Telephone Phone
Email

About you (optional) Please select your answer from the following:
Connection to the area:
Other (Please explain)
Did you shop at Havens when it operated as a department store?

Yes

No
Would you like to share your memories?
How important do you think it is for the building to be restored to its former glory?
Imagine walking past the building and seeing the windows come alive with stories, photos and objects from our heritage. Would you like us to create these history themed windows?
If yes, what kinds of displays or themes would you enjoy seeing?
Would you like to be involved in the project in any way? (e.g. sharing stories/lending items for display/ volunteering/helping with events)
Please use this spce to tell us anything else that you think would help
Phone

Who are Age Concern Southend?

Age Concern Southend is a small, independent charity based in Westcliff on Sea, Essex. We provide support, advice and services to older people in Southend and the surrounding communities.

Whether you are looking for new social activities to meet people, make friends, find a new hobby or exercise you are sure to find something in our hub. Or, if you are in need of our befriending service, wheelchair hire, dementia services or general advice – we can help. Find out more information on what is on offer

We also have our charity shop within The Community Hub, with many bargains to be had, including clothes, shoes, books and lots more, and KB’s at Millie’s Café is open Monday to Saturday, 9 – 4pm., serving hot drinks, delicious cakes and a variety of lunch time meals.

Our offices and community building, The Haven Community Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm 138-140 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7LW. You can also get in touch by calling 01702 345373 or by emailing enquiry@ageconcernsouthend.co.uk.