PLANS to re-open a former water sports venue on Southend seafront appear to have stalled after the planning application was withdrawn.

Last month exciting new plans were submitted to Southend Council outlining a plan to re-open the Marine Activities Centre, on Eastern Esplanade, and create a new 50-seater restaurant.

The centre has been closed since 2016 after it was deemed to be no longer financially viable and the application sparked excitement about a possible re-opening.

However, this week, Southend Council has confirmed on its planning website that the application, submitted by Mehmet Hassan, has been “withdrawn”.

No reason has been given as to why it has been withdrawn, but Matt Dent, councillor responsible for business, culture, and tourism, is trying to remain optimistic.

He said: “It doesn’t mean it isn’t going ahead, as they may put a different application in or revise this application.

“So, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is not going ahead.

“However, certainly from what was quite positive and exciting news a few weeks ago, it is a little more troubling.

“It was such a good centre, and it should be really good again. It has so much potential.

“So, I really hope that a new application or an amended application is submitted as it was exciting news.”

The once-popular centre provided training in sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, power-boating and other water sports.

The centre closed in 2016 because it was no longer financially viable to run, but the applicant was confident that adding a restaurant alongside the watersports would help make it a success.

As well as the water sports and restaurant, plans also proposed to include new indoor activity rooms, used for games and electronic/VR games.

Despite plans only being submitted a few weeks ago, the applicant had already struck a deal with watersports instructors in the area.

Residents were initially excited by the proposals with Dean Thornton commenting: “Wonderful. Should never have been allowed to close in the first place, after all we are a seaside city.”

Jacqui Sutton added: “I think it is a great concept, and far better than what it is now.”