A FORMER marine activities centre on Southend seafront could be transformed into a restaurant and toilets.

The council-owned Southend Marine Activities Centre, in Eastern Esplanade on the seafront, has been closed since 2016 after it was deemed no longer financially viable to run.

In recent days there have been calls for it to be turned into a lido for outdoor swimming, but Southend Council is drawing up different plans to bring it back into use.

Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Thorpe ward, said: “The building has been mothballed for a long time and people want to see it brought back into use.

“There have been discussions with a local restaurant looking to expand, and around putting in a toilet block, pier and foreshore office at the end of the building.

“We need more toilets down there as it’s becoming more popular. People don’t necessarily want arcades and I would say it’s nicer down there.”

Mr Terry would not reveal the identity the restaurant in talks with the council due to confidentiality.

Southend Council said further details about the scheme would be confirmed “once planning and funding are in place.”

The once-popular centre in Eastern Esplanade provided training in sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking and power-boating.

It also catered for children with multi-activity courses and facilities for school groups.

Charity Urban Cure CIC, which was set up in Southend earlier this year, is already opposing the plans and has launched a petition to keep the centre for marine activities.

Spokesman Dee Curtis said: “Urban Cure CIC wants to re-connect our community with their maritime heritage to create a strong sense of community and civic pride by the redevelopment and reopening of SMAC.

“We want to increase the accessibility of watersports for all families in our city who would not necessarily access the water.

Ms Curtis added: “Our intention is to develop a programme of activities that supports local partners such as clubs, activity providers, local authority, schools, care homes, sports development officers and water management bodies.”

To sign the petition, visit go to bit.ly/3RlUKoH