COMMUNITY leaders are welcoming the news progress is being made with a major development at the heart of Southend’s seafront.

After concerns the Marine Plaza development had stalled, the Inner London Group confirmed they hope to break ground later this year.

Andy Lewis, deputy chief executive of Southend Council, welcomed the announcement by Inner London Group.

He said: “Bringing forward regenerating of the Marine Plaza site has been a long-held ambition of the council and has the potential to uplift the fortunes of the Golden Mile, helping ensure Southend remains a vibrant and modern seafront destination.

“Our officers have dedicated a great deal of time and effort over the past few years in guiding prospective developers as to the sort of development that would be appropriate on this part of the seafront.

“We were pleased to be able grant planning permission for Inner London Group’s development proposals back in 2015 and I look forward to seeing building work commence, subject to the variation of the legal agreement being approved.”

Ann Holland, Southend’s councillor for tourism, economy and culture, echoed the enthusiasm and added: “I think it will be good to have something happen to that area as it makes the seafront look a bit scruffy.

“The flats will be in a good place as there are all the seafront attractions on the doorstep of the development and also public transport links are very close.

“I think that it will open up the area to more life, activity and atmosphere. The flats will have a lovely view.

“In terms of traders, I think competition can be a good thing for business, and the current traders on the seafront are set to benefit as there will be more people in the area.”

While reaction to the news is largely positive, some community leaders remain sceptical the scheme will come off.

Paul Thompson, chairman of the Seafront Traders Association, said: “I’ll believe it when I see it really – this has been going on for years and it seems as though it’s never going to get started.

“They were supposed to start building immediately after they got planning permission three years ago, but that obviously hasn’t happened and I think the planning permission on the site is due to run out soon anyway. This end of the seafront does need to be tidied up and a development like this could be positive, but unfortunately their plans do include a lack of parking spaces. With one space per flat, it isn’t going to be enough, I think hey need to have a look at the planning again.”