A £30m deal for a college campus in the heart of Southend has collapsed, it was announced on Friday.

South East Essex College is unable to agree a contract with property developer Martin Dawn and has been forced to put the scheme on hold.

College chief executive Tony Pitcher said he could not make any further comment on why the deal had collapsed.

However, Martin Dawn, co-owner of Southend United, on Friday blamed changing demands from the college.

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See 'College deal: Major blow for town' and ''College deal: Students express disappointment' in the drop-down menu at the bottom of this story Chairman Ron Martin said despite numerous discussions between the two parties, there were irrevocable differences which could not be patched up.

The college vowed to find a new developer and press ahead with the scheme.

Mr Pitcher said: "We have worked hard to obtain funds from various sources, including £12m from the Learning and Skills Council as well as £4million from the higher education sector.

"In addition we have had support from Southend Council essential to the success of the project. We have to ensure we do not lose all this crucial public sector and local support."

He said the decision could mean the new development going ahead without any commercial involvement.

The college agreement to deliver degree courses with the University of Essex should not be affected.

University spokeswoman Jenny Grinter said: "We are still confident that South East Essex College will be going ahead with the new development.

"Even if it did not, we are happy with the high quality of services which are provided for our students at the college."

Just two weeks ago, we revealed that Southend United - owned by Martin Dawn and Delancey Estates - would be staying at Roots Hall after the collapse of a deal to build a £12.5m stadium complex at Fossetts Farm in Eastern Avenue.

Property developer, Lansbury, which owns most of the Fossetts Farm site, had revealed it had struck a deal with Delancey Estates to keep Southend at Roots Hall because any move was "not required and not financially viable."

Things to come - how college should have looked

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