THE driving force behind the latest plans for Southend Pier has insisted he can find the £50million needed to drive the project forward.

Thorpe Bay businessman Tony Garner, managing director of Epic World Leisure, spoke after revealing fresh plans to breathe new life into the landmark.

A shore-end pavilion, cinema, museum, new railway station, viewing tower and the biggest rollercoaster over water in the world are all planned as part of the ambitious scheme.

Mr Garner won planning permission 11 years ago for his rollercoaster, known as the Swine, until Southend Council pulled the plug over concerns about cash available to see the project through.

Speaking of his latest plan, Mr Garner said: "We have already spent £1.5million developing our various ideas for the pier. We have had discussions with several banks concerning the financing of the scheme.

"In fact, we have been approached by one bank which was responsible for the funding of the large new rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. I would say the most likely funding arrangement would be a package drawn up with a number of banks."

He added it was unlikely, even if Epic World Leisure gained planning permission and a lease from the council, that anything would be done before the end of the year.

Mr Garner said: "We have to bear in mind the current financial situation and no company could consider borrowing money for this type of scheme unless everything is in place to go ahead.

"My opinion is that the credit crunch will bottom out during this year, after which things should be easier."

Architect Bernard Gooding said the latest plans had more credibility because talks had taken place with Southend Council planning officials. But the council said no decision has been made on any pier development.

Chief executive and town clerk Rob Tinlin said: "While council officers held normal pre-application discussions with representatives of Epic World last year, the details of the plans which have recently been published are purely those of the private company and are not put forward on behalf of, or with the support of, Southend Council.

"We are fully committed to regenerating the pier and any participation in the development or management of the pier in line with the findings of the public consultation, carried out last year, will be sought by normal open tender.

"Any independent plans or proposals put to us will be considered through the normal planning process."