Havens, Westcliff-on-Sea explained

Havens department store is a Grade II listed building based in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex and, until its closure in 2017, it was the only remaining independent department store based in the borough of Southend-on-Sea.

History

Havens was opened in 1901 by Rawdon Havens as a specialist retailers of China Tableware and Crystal Glass in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.^{[1] [2]}

The current store was opened in 1935 and was listed as Grade II in 2016.^[3]

In May 2017, Nigel Haven announced that the store would be closing and moving to an online retailer only.^[4] The building was rented to Age Concern as a community hub.^[5]

References

51.5403°N 0.6952°W

Notes and References

1. Web site: The high street needs to adapt and evolve": Retailer Q&A with Havens department store - Soults Retail View p.22 Apr 2013. 22 April 2013. 19 December 2016.
2. Web site: About Havens of Westcliff. 19 Dec 2016.
3. Web site: Future of one of Essex's oldest department stores safeguarded as Havens, in Westcliff, is listed - Evening Echo p.10 Aug 2016. 19 December 2016.
4. Web site: End of an era as Havens store prepares to close after almost 100 years on the high street - Evening Echo p.12 May 2017. 12 May 2017.
5. News: Thomas . Daniel . Your Debenhams is closing: What next? . 2 May 2019 . 30 April 2019.