A WATERSPORTS venue could return to Southend seafront as part of major plans to re-open the former marine activities centre alongside a new restaurant.
The Southend Marine Activities Centre, on Eastern Esplanade, has been closed since 2016 when it was deemed to no longer be financially viable.
It has remained empty for the last eight years but now exciting new plans have been submitted to Southend Council to bring the centre back to life in a huge boost to the seafront.
Applicant Mehmet Hassan hopes to reinstate the centre and bring back watersports as well as open a 50-seater restaurant on the site, according to plans submitted to Southend Council.
The centre is owned by Southend Council and was listed on the market for rent last November.
According to the plans, Mehmet wants to promote water sports to young children and has revealed that all children under the age of nine and disabled children will be entitled to free tuition.
In order for this facility to provide the very best standards, Mehmet has struck a deal with watersports instructors in the area.
This includes Simon Mudd, 61, who is a qualified instructor that lives locally and has participated in water sports and the tuition of for more than 20 years.
He said: “This new project will offer additional activities and encourage more to participate in water sports.
“We were so sad to see the Marine Activities Centre close many years ago.
“With private investment, we are hopeful that we can start to rebuild, this is only made possible because of the vision of Mehmet. For my part I am happy to help him succeed.”
The once-popular centre provided training in sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking power-boating and other water sports.
It was also used for children’s multi-activity courses and facilities for visiting school groups.
Paul Thompson, owner of Pebbles One cafe and is also a leading light of the Seaside Partnership, added: “I remember growing up and using the Marine Activities Centre.
“It would be good news as it has laid empty for far too long. It would be good to bring it back to use.
“It is something a lot of people remember and loved.”
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