WE paid a visit to Lakeside at the weekend, and before leaving had a stroll around the new entertainment area they are building near the lake.

Only Hollywood Bowl is open at the moment, but the design of the area looked spectacular.

Everything from the roof to the fountains are designed to be fun and interesting for visitors.

It is great to see the owners of Lakeside putting faith into the future of shopping centres in this way, with added attractions like restaurants and family entertainments being a great way to fight back against the bland convenience of online shopping.

My seven-year-old son is obsessed with architecture, and he is already talking about wanting to pay a return visit soon to see how it all comes together.

Jack Coward

London Road, Grays.