Southend Wimpy not to be rebuilt as despite fresh plans

Wimpy, in Marine Parade, was fully demolished earlier this year following the destruction of the building in 2022, when a shocking fire left the building gutted.

The fire, in January 2022, was blamed on arsonists by firefighters and the restaurant was left as a burnt-out eyesore before the site was cleared in May.

Fresh planning documents were submitted on September 24 to Southend Council to build nine new flats and a “commercial premises” on the ground floor of the building

Wimpy - In the process of demolition (Image: Jo Turnbull)

However, a spokesman for Wimpy confirmed there are no current plans to re-open a Wimpy as part of the redevelopment.

Southend councillor for business, Matt Dent, said: “As far as I was aware, it was to be rebuilt as a Wimpy and that is what I was hoping to see there. They have flat planning permission and I am not sure what more the developer wants.

“The plans were approved and that is what the owners wanted but what I would have expected is that they get their flats and we also get a Wimpy.

Wimpy - On fire in 2022 (Image: Wayne Masters)

“It would be a loss for the seafront. It was popular and on the seafront. It was a real disaster when it burnt down and a lot of people hoped it would be rebuilt.”

Residents had long hoped the iconic burger chain would return to the seafront and Mr Dent is calling for a “similar business” to occupy new commercial unit. 

He added: “Personally, I would say I would like to see something the same as what was there with Wimpy.”

A spokesman for Wimpy said: “As the Marine Parade building is not owned by Wimpy, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further about development plans.” 

The popular fast food chain still has a restaurant in the Victoria Centre, Southend, as well as a restaurant in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, and Leigh Broadway.