A NEW pizza restaurant and takeaway could be coming to Southend seafront after plans were submitted to the council.

Under the plans, a former vape shop could be transformed into a pizza business at 37 Eastern Esplanade.

If approved by Southend Council, the seafront business would be overhauled and kitted out with a kitchen and tables to serve pizza both in-house and as a takeaway.

At this stage, there are no details in the plans on the name of the pizza restaurant, and whether it is a chain.

However, Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for the Kursaal ward, welcomed the plans.

He said: “I have always been keen to see vacant units brought back into use.

“It is far better to have them productive and serving a purpose than sitting there empty.

“There are always people visiting the seafront, who are always keen for food and drink. So, I think this is a good opportunity.

“People come to Southend to visit the seafront for tourism, and it is important to make sure there is a variety of places to eat and drink.

“And as I say given it is also a vacant unit, it is better being used than sitting empty anyway. It is good news.”

The Puff DadE vape shop reportedly closed down towards the end of 2023.

Southend has recently started becoming a magnet for people eating out and enjoying a drink as big-name companies and independent restaurants queue up to invest in the city centre.

Wendy’s and Black Sheep Coffee are both set to open in the High Street, while Mediterranean restaurant Black and Red Bistro Grill, Mexican eatery Plan Burrito and Asian-inspired Sokuri have also all thrown open their doors in recent months.

Attic Southend also re-opened just a few doors down in Eastern Esplanade last week.

Plans for the new pizza restaurant and takeaway will be decided on by Southend Council at a later date.