A massive investment in Canvey's waterfront could see a wealth of jobs created on the island.

The key to the major industrial development is the mile-long Occidental jetty which cost £10 million to build and is being sold off as an integral part of the scheme.

A mystery firm from Newcastle wants to snap up Europe's longest jetty, which has never been used in its 30-year history.

Negotiations with public companies are already under way for a multi-million-pound investment which promises to be one of the most exciting ventures the island has seen.

The firm, which at this stage does not want to be identified, was today staying tight-lipped about its exact plans until the deal is signed, but stressed there were no plans to resurrect the oil refinery.

The jetty was built in the early 1970s as part of an oil refinery planned for the 300-acre site which stretched from Northwick Road to the coast.

Around three-quarters of the jetty sits on land, with the remaining part in deep water to allow the largest boats on the Thames to dock.

However, not one single drop of oil was ever pumped through the structure's pipes.

American oil giant Occidental abandoned the half-built oil refinery in 1975 after spending around £60 million on the project - including £10 million on building the jetty.

In September 1988, multi-millionaire businessman Peter de Savary bought up 1,300 acres of waterfront including the Occidental site to build 4,320 homes, a business park, shopping centre, schools, a church, a health centre and a country park.

However, his idea was thrown out by Government minister Michael Hesseltine at an inquiry. Mr Hesseltine said it was too near to the Mobil refinery and Pitsea tip and encroached on precious green belt.

In 1994, three of Mr de Savary's businesses went into receivership while another went into voluntary liquidation and in 1995 the Canvey site - excluding the jetty - was sold to Safeway which built a huge store at Northwick Road.

The jetty remained under the control of the liquidators who have been negotiating the deal with the Newcastle firm.

A spokesman said he was not permitted to reveal the company's identity until the deal had been completed but said it had been in the pipeline for a very long time.

Councillor Ray Howard, who spearheaded the campaign against Mr De Savary's development, said: "It seems to be good news that a company in Newcastle has undertaken to enter into a contract over the jetty

"It's incredible to think that more than £60 million was used to build that place, with £10 million on the jetty, and not one gallon of oil was produced.

"I would like it to be used for waterborne industries which would bring jobs but I appreciate it is not an easy jetty to get to because it is really built just for oil refinery purposes.

"It is a landmark on Canvey, a bit like the chimneys."

Mystery bid - councillor Ray Howard would love to see the landmark jetty being put to good use

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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