A company taking over a derelict gasworks site in Southend has revealed its preliminary development plans.

The prime patch of land along the seafront, in Eastern Esplanade, is currently contaminated and has remained unused for years.

However, it could soon be transformed into a hotel, fitness centre and restaurant.

Miller Developments, part of the larger Edinburgh-based Miller Group, was given the green light by councillors to go ahead with the ambitious project.

Andrew Wagstaff, development manager, said: "Decontaminating the site could take some time, but we hope to have it finished by the middle of next year. We'll then get straight down to building work, which I would expect to take around nine months.

"What the hotel and sports centre will be like are unclear at the moment as we will be working with other companies. We are currently in talks with some well-known leisure names."

Mr Wagstaff added: "We're delighted our bid has been accepted, and look forward to making something of the project. We believe this will give us a chance to enhance the seafront and give tourism in the town a boost."

The company, based in Golden Square, London, will develop the southern, commercial part of the site while Laing Homes will build 92 new homes, mostly in the form of terraced houses.

One-fifth of the houses will be developed in conjunction with a local housing association to comply with the council policy of making available low-cost rented accommodation.

Charles Latham, leader of Southend Council, said: "I'm delighted the cabinet's recommendations have been endorsed to accept this exciting development. It will regenerate part of the seafront that has been empty for far too long."

Initial blueprints suggest a 50-bedroom hotel will be built alongside a restaurant and fitness centre.

It is expected detailed planning applications will be submitted in early 2001, when artists' impressions of the proposed development will be available, added Mr Wagstaff.

The commercial section of the site could be completed by March 2002.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.