PENGUINS, seals and crocodiles could finally be coming to Sealife Adventure in Southend.

The Stockvale Group, wanted to expand the Eastern Esplanade attraction and got planning permission, but then scrapped it following a row with Southend Council.

The firm needed to rent council land the size of half a football pitch, next to the centre, but failed to agree terms.

However, the deal is now back on with council leader Ron Woodley claiming a deal will soon be signed.

Mr Woodley said: “There has been some movement from both parties.

“There has been a coming together following the initial decision, and in the near future an agreement will be agreed.”

Stockvale managing director Marc Miller added: “We are optimistic an agreement is moving forward, however the penguins haven’t got their bags packed just yet.”

Stockvale Group, which operates seafront attractions Adventure Island, Sands restaurant and the Three Shells kiosk, hope the exotic additions will boost last year’s 156,000 visitor numbers by a third.

There would be a penguin pool, seal pool, crocodile enclosure, large fish tank and another enclosure for creatures as yet unspecified.

A research room for Essex University students is also included in the plans.

Paul Thompson, chairman of the Southend Seafront Traders Association, said: “If a deal is about to be signed, it is fantastic news for the seafront."