Image: The new £3m centre was constructed off-site

A new £3m Cultural Centre - designed by White Arkitekter in collaboration with London-based architects Sprunt - has been lifted into position at Southend-on-Sea's iconic pier.

The 170 tonne facility was constructed off-site at Tilbury Docks and has been added to the pier in a "big lift" operation. Both phases have been overseen by lead contractor Kier.

It is the first structure to be added to the pier head since 2000 and, once complete, will host a 40sq m (431sq ft) artists' studio, a café and a performance space seating 185 people.

Southend on Sea Borough Council executive councillor for culture and tourism Derek Jarvis, said: "[The centre] will prove a massive asset to Southend's residents and visitors for decades to come."

Details: www.southend.gov.uk