A SOUTHEND marina with a potential price tag of £500million could be on the cards once more.

Plans have been drawn up to construct a marina off Gunner’s Park in Shoebury.

The area was first highlighted as a potential site by Paul Gilson, chairman of Leigh Town Council and Commodore of the Essex yacht club, last year.

Architects have now drawn up the first draft designs for the scheme which could include a host of amenities - and investors are said to be lining up to get involved.

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The scheme is also now listed as an investment opportunity in the Local Enterprise Partnership’s Opportunity South Essex plan.

Leigh fisherman Mr Gilson said: “It is very much a working draft and could change dramatically but the water is much closer to the Shoebury point than anywhere else.

“At present we could extend to the north west and make a very big area where it is envisaged that we could have a sailing school and outdoor centre.

“Of course this is still very early days but with a probable downturn in the economy and jobs, this would bring much needed work and employment to the area.”

A Southend marina would enable yachts from the continent to dock in Shoebury instead of going up the Thames to London.

Mr Gilson added: “The sea wall is ripe for a museum with many features already in place. With at least one hotel, restaurants and nautical-based shops we can challenge many European marinas.

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“We have good road, rail and airport links, it would spread the sea front and its attractions further east. This would give greater visitor attractions for people to come to Southend. It needs vision and drive, doing nothing is easy and so many will take that stance and decry our efforts.

“There are many, many hurdles to jump, however. We have developers who are prepared to take those jumps with us. The interest has been amazing.”

Gary Lowen, owner of the Gleneagles Hotel in Southend has also been helping on the scheme.

He said: “We are talking to several partners.

“People are working hard to bring this opportunity to Southend. It wold cost about £500million but would bring economic regeneration for the next 30 years.”

Other marinas in the area, such as those in Tollesbury and Wallasea Island, are lacking in facilities and are located in remote places.

It could rival Brighton Marina which sports a cinema, bowling alley and casino as well as hosting water sports and specialist shops.

The site Mr Gilson is putting forward for the development is next to the trust’s Gunners Park and Shoebury Ranges Nature Reserve on several acres of land between Admiralty Pier and the Barge Pier.