Shops, apartments and a bistro restaurant could form the centrepiece of plans to redevelop Southend's former corporation loading pier.
The old loading pier Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
The plans, spearheaded by businessman John Cross, owner of the Boatyard restaurant in Leigh Old Town, will be considered by Southend Council in March.
Mr Cross has a deadline of the end of February to deliver detailed proposals, but wants an arrangement with Southend Council to ensure he is the sole developer of the dilapidated site, east of the pier and opposite the old gasworks site in Eastern Esplanade.
Mr Cross said: "I would be proposing a mixture of shops, apartments and a bistro-style restaurant which I believe could be a great boost to that part of the town."
"However, without some sort of exclusivity deal I would not be prepared to go any further. All sorts of people seem to be coming out of the woodwork and putting forward schemes now."
Mr Cross said he was not prepared to go to the expense of drawing up the detailed proposals which Southend Council have asked for by the end of February.
He added: "What the council is currently demanding would cost a further £25,000 to £30,000 and I am not prepared to spend that sort of money without being given some sort of guarantee from the council.
Published Tuesday January 6, 2004
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