A NEW pizza restaurant and takeaway could open in Southend city centre under fresh plans submitted to the council.

Plans have been submitted to Southend Council’s licensing team for “Pizzeria Cumurria” to open at 38 Queen’s Road, opposite the University of Essex’s Southend campus.

The building is currently empty and it is hoped if plans are agreed it would be another eatery to open up close to Southend’s city centre.

The licensing application, which will be debated by the council’s licensing committee on March 18, is in a bid to sell alcohol on the premises daily between midday and 10pm.

Daniel Nelson, Southend Tory cabinet member for economic growth, said: “It sounds like an amazing prospect and it really shows that Southend is an up-and-coming town. People do try to talk down about Southend. I am not one of them.

“It is certainly a fantastic range of businesses and restaurants that we have, and you truly do not see much like this.

“In Southend, there is something for anyone who wants to come down and visit the town.”

The pizzeria is also opening close to the University of Essex, Southend Campus and the Forum library and Focal Point art gallery, with the newer additions to the late-night and dining scene in the city coming along the nearby high street.

Mr Nelson recently praised Southend as a prime location for diners, with the potential addition of a Wendy’s on Southend High Street being “the proof in the pudding” that Southend’s city centre and adjacent roads are priority locations for businesses.

Last month, plans were made for Wendy’s signs to be added to the former Ponden Home interiors store, Southend city centre has recently become a hotspot for new restaurants and fast-food chains, with the likes of Wingstop, German Doner Kebab, Wagamama, Punjab Grill, Taco Bell, Sokuri Sushi all opening in the past 18 months.

Plan Burrito is also set to make its debut in the High Street in coming months too.