A SOCIAL club in Corringham could be turned into a plush country club and hotel by a consortium of mystery Malaysian businessman.

Administrators have been trying to sell off the 53-yearold Pegasus Sports and Social club, in Herd Lane, since Coryton oil refinery closed almost two years ago.

The Pegasus Club had 1,000 members until recently and had previously catered for staff working at the refinery.

The Echo understands the club, which closed on Sunday, is on the brink of being sold to a Malaysian consortium.

A company called Pegasus Country Club Ltd, thought to be associated with the sale, was recently set up and registered with Companies House by five Malaysians.

Sources close to negotiations have revealed several bids have been lodged by two groups of businessmen, keen on turning the club into a hotel.

Administrators Pricewater houseCoopers say a sale has not yet been completed.

Steven Pearson, joint administrator and partner for Pricewater houseCoopers a, said: “It hasn’t been sold yet and a sale is ongoing.

“We will not comment on any private contract of sale to respect the identity of the party.”

Gil Moore, an executive committee member of the Pegasus Club, said he didn’t know what the intentions of the administrators or the club’s buyers are.

He said: “We’ve asked questions, but we aren’t getting any answers.

“We finished trading on Sunday and offered to stay open longer, but got no response.

It’s a strange one, they are going to come in and have no lease and probably just expect to start trading.”

Mark Coxshall, the Conservative ward councillor for Corringham and Fobbing, said he would welcome any plans to turn the club into a hotel.

He said: “It’s great news that the Peg could be turned into a premier hotel in Thurrock.

“It shows that although some people always talk Thurrock down, others are putting their money where their mouths are and investing in the future of the borough.”