A CONTROVERSIAL deal to build a £50m leisure complex is set to be extended by 14 months after the deadline was missed.

A fresh council report recommended the deadline for the deal with developer Turnstone Leisure, signed for four years in December 2014 be extended until next year.

Critics claim the developers are getting access to the site “on the cheap” with taxpayers losing out.

Senior councillors have claimed it is still a great deal.

The development is expected to include an IMAX cinema, indoor golf, a climbing wall, a virtual reality zone and restaurants.

Among the vocal critics are a number of seafront traders.

They have opposed the plans due to the drop in parking and claim the deal, which will effectively see the developer pay rent of £300,000 each year with short change the taxpayer because as a car park it currently makes £600,000 each year.

However deputy leader James Courtenay said when you add the lease income and the business rates together the council will make more than the current £600,000 and car parking spaces will only reduce from 661 to 555.

It is further suggested a major leisure complex will create hundreds of jobs and bring an extra £15m each year into the borough.

The report, published late on Friday, states if the council was to abandon the project it would be financially dangerous as the council has already paid to buy the nearby Rossi factory and demolish it with Turnstone due to reimburse the council.

If the deal collapses this will cause problems.

Councillor Courtenay said: “This report highlights the overwhelming case for continuing with the agreement signed in December 2014.

“Not only does it make sound financial sense – we will be at least £617,000 a year better off, money which will help to fund frontline services – but it would also see the creation of hundreds of new jobs, and significant private investment into this vital part of the central seafront area.

“Subject to planning permission, this regeneration would include the opening of a new and exciting year-round family leisure destination for the people of Southend, including a new IMAX cinema, bowling and surface and multi-storey car park.”

A meeting will be held on Thursday to discuss the report but an extension is expected.