Millionaire businessman Philip Miller has revealed plans to pump £10million into his Southend seafront theme park, Adventure Island.
Mr Miller said his scheme would potentially create hundreds of new jobs.
A new rollercoaster and restaurant fronting Marine Parade are being proposed.
Mr Miller spoke of his hopes after signing a 99-year lease with Southend Council for the land on which the theme park is built.
Mr Miller also has plans for extending the popular Sealife Adventure Aquarium on Eastern Esplanade.
He said he will also be very happy to assist the council with proposals to bring the world famous pier back to major visitor attraction status.
He said: "Southend is without a doubt on an upward and forward drive, unlike many resorts around the country.
"The new long term lease will give me the opportunity to continue playing a key role in generating a successful seafront, creating potentially hundreds of new jobs, which is important for the overall future economy of the area."
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