A NEW cafe, kiosk and restaurant looks set to be built at Shoebury East Beach after a developer came forward with an offer of at least £300,000 to buy the lease.

Current tenant Nigel Gabbitas put the lease up for sale on the former beachside cafe after it was destroyed in a blaze in August, 2006.

Estate agents Hair and Son said a bid had been accepted, paving the way for a new cafe, kiosk and restaurant.

Terence Hair, of Hair and Son, said: "We stated we wanted bids in excess of £300,000 for the property, but I cannot say when the new leaseholder will take over."

Sally Holland, Southend councillor responsible for support services, said: "Any proposals will be subjected to the usual planning procedures, which include consultation with residents. It is anticipated the new development will offer a beach kiosk, cafe and restaurant facilities, although the details are yet to be set out and agreed."

Mr Gabbitas could not be contacted by the Echo, however, two well-known restauranteurs confirmed they had not bid for the lease.

Paul Van Looy, has been running restaurants in Southend for years.

He said: "I was interested in the site, but it was far too dear."

Ritchie Bridge is one of the partners behind the successful Ocean Beach restaurant in Thorpe Bay.

He said: "We did look at the East Beach site but it was much too expensive."