Project of the week

In the mid-1930s, the Havens family built a large new shop on ‘the Bond Street of Essex’ to accommodate their growing business selling tableware and crystal in Westcliff. The building was modelled on metropolitan examples, such as Selfridge’s, to attract sophisticated customers, and has since been listed as Grade II in recognition of its remarkably complete Art Deco styling.

The store remained in its original use until 2017 when the Havens family decided to move their business online. They subsequently reached out to Age Concern Southend, a charity that had been working since 1974 to support older residents with key services, including befriending, fitness, and leisure activities, general advice and information, and wheelchair hire. Both parties recognised that the central location and large footprint of Havens’ former department store offered an opportunity to expand the charity’s services and provide a ‘one-stop’ centre for older Westcliff residents.  

The result is The Haven Community Hub, which includes a dementia day care centre, a café, fitness and leisure classes, and treatment services for Southend residents of all ages - including a foot-care clinic, counselling, and a salon. Other local partner charities also benefit from using this vibrant space to support local carers, young parents, and those living with MS. 

‘There can’t be any individually run establishments anywhere that offer so much under one roof... After the loss of my beautiful wife, I didn’t want to live anymore. Havens’ Hub was instrumental in getting through this terrible time.’                                

Freddie, 92, a local user