Southend marine activities centre on seafront up for rent

The centre, in Eastern Esplanade, closed in 2016 and has now been listed for “long-term lease” on Rightmove.

Ayers and Cruiks Commercial has listed the site on behalf of Southend Council.

Daniel Nelson, Conservative councillor responsible for economic growth and investment has said there is a “number of possibilities” for the prime seafront spot.

He said: “It is great that it has been listed.

“It should have been done a while ago and is something this administration has pushed. It would be great to see this building come back to life.

“My ideal would be a business that is sustainable, a restaurant, an exciting bistro, some form of community business, or even an activities centre again.

“The world is our oyster on this one. I would love to see any city business that can just bring the vibrancy back to the building and take advantage of its prime seafront location.”

The Southend Marine Activity Centre has been closed since 2016 after it was deemed no longer financially viable to run.

It is described as a single-storey property which comprises of an open reception area, former changing rooms and classrooms, storerooms, and offices, along with toilets and kitchenette.

In the Rightmove description, it states: “the property may be used for a variety of uses, subject to planning and landlord consent being obtained as a condition of lease”.

The once-popular centre provided training in sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking and powerboating.

It also catered for children with multi-activity courses and facilities for school groups.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for the Kursaal ward, added: “It is a great space, and would be fantastic to get it re-opened again.

“It is right on the seafront, there are lots of options in terms of marine activities.

“To be honest, to have a space like that sitting empty feels like a travesty. So, the mere prospect of it being re-opened again is great.”