Planning consent has been secured by Carter Jonas, on behalf of Turnstone Estates, for a £50m redevelopment leisure scheme in Southend following an appeal decision by the Secretary of State. 

The Seaway Leisure scheme is on a 2.3-hectare site and will accommodate 155,000 sq ft of mixed-use accommodation and create up to 550 new jobs and is backed Empire Cinemas and Hollywood Bowl among others. It includes a multiplex at first floor, six restaurant units, indoor leisure units, an 80-bed hotel and public square and 555 car parking spaces. 

Tim Deacon, Director of Turnstone Estates, said: “Despite the economic impact of COVID-19, we are as committed as ever to delivering the Seaway Leisure scheme, which still meets the needs of Southend in a post-COVID world, so that local residents can have a first-class leisure attraction they can enjoy all year round. 

“Over the past week, there has been much speculation on the future of the cinema industry after recent announcements and the ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Fortunately, Empire Cinemas are committed to opening in Southend which will include IMAX, who will also open a new town centre site in Basildon next year.” 

Empire Cinemas will anchor the scheme with a 1,370 seat 11 screen cinema including IMAX. Hollywood Bowl will occupy a unit on the lower ground floor and will incorporate 20 bowling lanes, a Hollywood Diner, bar and amusement centre. Travelodge has also been secured for the hotel. 

Matt Hare, Associate Partner at Carter Jonas in Cambridge, said: “We were delighted be instrumental in securing a positive decision by the Secretary of State. Despite its town centre location there were elements of the development proposals that were contentious locally, however the potential impacts of the proposals were considered and addressed in meticulous detail and I am pleased that the Planning Inspectorate saw the significant benefit that the development will bring in overall terms.”

Work is expected to begin in 2022.