THURROCK Council has unveiled a £2.8 million plan to transform Tilbury pier and foreshore.

The currently lacklustre area is set to have new seating, pathways and signage for residents to enjoy.

The council has submitted a planning application for the scheme which proposes to replace the existing benches with an elevated continuous concrete seat in the form of a circular "mini plazza" offering sweeping views of the river.

To make the current unattractive and blank concrete wall more interesting, the plans include the use the wall for "interpretation boards" giving information about the ecology and landscape and the industrial heritage of the Riverside station the history of the fort.

Enhanced walkways are proposed with a refurbished lower walkway and a new path along the upper level of the wall.

The scheme is linked in with the Back on Track project, a National Lottery Heritage Fund project which a joint community and commercial effort to restore and celebrate the Grade II Tilbury Cruise Terminal and rail station.

A design report submitted with the riverside application, says: "The project aims to improve paving, prioritise pedestrian movement, provide accessible parking, better street furniture, EV charging points for bikes and cars, better seating and cycle stands.

The project is linked to the proposed Back on Track project to refurbish Tilbury Riverside Station, which has a cafe, event space, creative lets etc which aim towards bettering social and economic prospects by creating employment and other revenue opportunities and as well as a place for cruise/ferry passengers to socialise."