A STATE of the art leisure complex could be coming to Southend.

The centre is expected to include a state-of-the-art 11 screen cinema with IMAX screen, an 80 room Travelodge hotel and a bowling alley.

Turnstone director Tim Deacon said the amount of restaurant space will be cut from initial suggestions and instead there will be an increase in leisure space to provide a ten metre indoor climbing wall, a gym and indoor golf.

Improvements will also be made to the surrounding area, including a new public square near to the St John the Baptist Church.

Council leader John Lamb said: “This proposed development would, subject to planning permission, create a year-round leisure destination, which would add to the attraction of this area of central Southend, bring in £50million of private investment and create hundreds of jobs.

"As previously stated, it would also bring in significant and stable long-term income into the council’s revenue budget, far exceeding the surplus we currently make from parking alone.

"This is vital in a time when our main government grant will soon be reduced to zero.”