CONSTRUCTION of a £50million leisure scheme is expected to begin in the autumn, and now developers want to hear what residents want.

Turnstone Estates has announced it is set to start work on the leisure complex in the Seaway car park in Lucy Road, Southend in September.

The scheme will include an 11-screen Empire Cinema complex with IMAX, a 20-lane Hollywood Bowl, an 80-room Travelodge hotel and 555 public car parking spaces, with a new public square.

The company has enlisted Mackman Research to carry out a survey of what Southend residents would most like to see in other units.

Tim Deacon, managing director of Turnstone Estates, said: “What we are focusing on with this scheme in a post-covid world is what everyone in Southend wants. The anchor tenants are in place but the world has changed quite and the leisure market is starting to dust down their expansion plans. We are hoping to fill some of the spaces but but we’re very keen to hear from the people in Southend. It helps our understanding and it helps us tell operators what the demand is. It will also make sure when we open everyone is very excited and recognises that’s what they want. We are expecting a really strong bounce back to the leisure sector nationally and in Southend.”

The scheme already has planning permission but the final tweaks are underway with planning officers.

Mr Deacon said: “This phase of planning and the survey should be finished by May or June. We are looking at starting construction later this year. The construction manager is talking with the council and highways team to make sure there is minimal disruption. We are mindful of disruption during the peak season in Southend so we wouldn’t start before September.”

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council, welcomed news work would start this year and that it wouldn’t impact summer visitors.

He said: “I do welcome this. It’s good to hear.

“It got held up with the pandemic but it will be good for the town and good for tourism and for local people.

“It makes sense not to start it in summer. I think we could have a bumper summer and residents will enjoy the seafront.”

Mr Woodley said he thinks there will probably be more local people staying at home this summer.

He added: “What they had planned originally was good. If we want to attract more people to town then let’s make sure we have some really good restaurants. That’s what I would like to see.”