A LANDMARK leisure centre planned for Southend seafront has cleared its final hurdle.

Southend Council's planning officers have signed a final agreement with developer John Remblance for his multi-million pound Marine Plaza scheme in Marine Parade.

The building will tower above the seafront rising to between 13 and 16 storeys in height.

The scheme includes a 100 bedroom hotel, 126 apartments, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as restaurants and bars.

It was granted planning permission by Southend Council in summer 2006 with a condition that £1.5million is spent on road improvements and community facilities.

John Pennington, of planning and regeneration company Dedman, which is representing Mr Remblance, said: "I am delighted to say we have finally been able to reach agreement with the council over the outstanding matters.

"We are now pursuing the remaining issues of land acquistion in the area and we have several meetings lined up in the next few weeks.

"Both Dedman and the developers remain fully committed to this scheme which we see as an important part of the redevelopment and regeneration of Southend seafront."