Removing Three Shells Lagoon and putting the beach back is one option, the council says. Cabinet is due to decide on 16 November; the lagoon stays shut.

Three Shells Lagoon on Southend seafront could be taken out altogether and the original beach put back, the council has said. It is one of the options being worked up for the closed lagoon, which sits on Western Esplanade beside Adventure Island.

The council’s cabinet member for tourism, Cllr Matt Dent, set this out in a written answer to Cllr Wood (councillor questions and answers). The council is “working towards longer term options for the Lagoon which could include the option for the complete removal of the Lagoon and reinstatement of the original beach”, he wrote.

The answer was published with the papers for the reconvened full council meeting on Wednesday 7 October.

The lagoon is closed

The council’s beach safety page says: “Three Shells Lagoon is currently closed to all public access. Do not enter the Lagoon or attempt to cross any barriers” (Southend-on-Sea City Council).

The beach next to it is open. Visit Southend, the council’s tourism site, lists a play area, toilets and the Three Shells café, and says the lagoon area is “not accessible” (Visit Southend).

Cllr Wood’s question says the lagoon opened in 2016 after an investment of about £1.9 million. It says it was closed “following serious safety incidents”. The council’s answer does not describe the incidents.

When the decision is due

The council’s forward plan lists the lagoon as a key decision for the cabinet on Monday 16 November 2026 (forward plan entry). Cllr Wood’s question had said December. The forward plan, first published on 30 July, gives 16 November.

What the forward plan says about it:

  • cabinet will consider “the options for the future of the Three Shells Lagoon” and choose a preferred option and budget
  • it is a key decision because it involves spending or saving £500,000 or more
  • all the options are likely to need planning permission and a Marine Licence, through the Marine Management Organisation and Natural England
  • parts of the debate may be held in private, because of “ongoing legal and commercial considerations”
  • residents and businesses, including seafront traders, “will be consulted in due course”

Why it will take time

Cllr Dent’s answer explains why there is no date for any work:

  • every option needs “continuous and detailed engagement” with Natural England and the marine licensing body
  • planning permission will be needed
  • the work is likely to be limited to “specific seasonal windows” to protect the natural environment
  • “investigation work is underway but at this stage, a detailed timetable is not available”

He also said a cabinet decision is needed before the council goes ahead with any option that “extends beyond beach maintenance”.

What it means for you

  • The lagoon stays shut. Keep out of the fenced area and do not cross the barriers, as the council’s beach safety page asks.
  • Three Shells beach is still open, with the play area, toilets and café beside it.
  • The decision is due on 16 November. The report and its options will be published with the cabinet agenda on the council’s democracy pages.
  • Your say comes later. The council says residents and seafront traders will be consulted, but has not said when.

For the rest of the seafront, including the other beaches, see our guide to things to do in Southend.