A BUSINESSMAN behind fresh plans to breathe new life into Southend's Kursaal has spoken of his hopes for the future.

Matthew Chambers and his wife Catherine are busy transforming the Kursaal function suite on the first floor of the iconic building.

After ten years in club promotion, Matthew, 30, has taken the biggest gamble of his life with the lease of the main suite which can seat 200 people.

He is also leasing the smaller Movado suite for about 40 people.

Matthew has ambitious plans to bring the music and adventure back to the Kursaal and will be launching his venture with a reunion gig for the most appropriate possible group, the Kursaal Flyers on May 10.

He said: "I believe Southend really needs some type of small function room like this.

"When you look at the existing venues around Southend, they are all crowded."

Matthew also believes there could be a market for wedding ceremonies at the Kursaal followed by a reception.

He added: "Everyone in Southend knows the Kursaal. Short of getting married on the pier, what better place in the town could these be for a wedding."

The Kursaal function suite could also have two different uses with tea and cakes during the afternoon for the thousands of visitors to the town each year.

In the evening, the atmosphere could change to an over 35s night, a private function or a ladies' night.

Matthew added: "I think the monthly over 35s nights we are going to have will be a success, because this is an age group which is not catered for.

"The Kursaal is a fantastic building with so many of its original features still existing. I am really looking forward to bringing it back to life "

Catherine added: "We haven't got any doubts we are going to succeed, otherwise we would not have invested thousands of pounds."