A DEVELOPER has spoken of his plans to transform Southend seafront - including his hope for a multi-million pound glass pavilion on the pier.

John Remblance spoke after adding Talk nightclub to his Southend property portfolio. He already owns three seafront pubs and the former Dizzyland site opposite the Kursaal.

He originally proposed the pier pavilion in 1999. It would be a showpiece glass building, resembling the famous Crystal Palace, on the former bowling alley site at the shore end of the pier.

The project was stalled because of prolonged talks between Southend Council and former bowling alley operator AMF over insurance money following the fire which detroyed the alley in 1995.

Mr Remblance said: "I still believe it was a perfect plan and we had the finance ready and available to carry it out.

"The pier is an integral part of the seafront and I would love to be involved in its regeneration as part of the town's future."

Published Thursday, February 23, 2006