Esplanade from the sea, put in place to stabilise the land further.

In the first half of the 20th century the town attracted visitors from high society. A new main shopping street was built linking the railway station to the esplanade. The street was formally opened in 1904 by Louise Margaret, Duchess of Connaught, and named Connaught Avenue in her honour. Other attractions included a lido, complete with palm trees, hotels along the Esplanade, and an amateur tennis tournament.