A SHOPPING centre boss has begged council chiefs to approve a new Tesco which he says presents a “golden opportunity” to boost ailing town centre trade.

Bill Harkness, managing director of Delamere Estates, which owns the Victoria in Southend, has written to councillors urging them to give the go-ahead to plans for the former B&Q store site in Short Street.

Mr Harkness’s letter comes on the eve of a planning application for the new four-storey, 31,000sqm supermarket going before the council.

He said: “This represents a golden opportunity to completely revitalise the retail on offer in Southend, and to make a hugely positive impact on this area of the town.

“I was extremely disappointed when Southend Council deferred the proposals, but I understand these issues have now been resolved.

“My major fear is that if Tesco’s plans are further frustrated by the planning committee, it will run the risk of forcing this major retailer to take its business elsewhere, a catastrophic outcome for the town and for those of us who have worked so hard to underpin its commercial future.”

The committee was due to make a decison in August, but it was delayed because of fears over how the plan would lead to congestion around Victoria Gateway.

The application has now returned for a decision tomorrow night, however no major road changes appear to be on the cards.

The Victoria has had a number of empty shops since it was given a £30million revamp and reopened with a roof and new name in 2008.

It is thought the new Tesco, creating up to 450 jobs, would revitalise the centre, as a new bridge would be built to connect the supermarket to the shopping centre.

In addressing councillors in his letter, Mr Harkness added: “The importance of your decision cannot be overstated and I would go so far as to say the health of retailing in Southend depends upon it.”

The proposal includes 540 car parking spaces and 90 cycle parking spaces. It would include a new youth centre, with a sports hall, theatre and performing arts centre, studio, IT room, arts area and lounge.