A 1930s paddle steamer could be a cost-effective alternative entertainment venue to a £3million cultural centre on Southend Pier.

The outlandish proposal is being floated by a group of councillors who want Southend Council to shell out about £150,000 for the TS Queen Mary, which has just been growing moss in Tilbury Docks since 2009.

They see the 250ft steel gargantuan, which has previously been used as a floating pub and restaurant, as an ideal replacement for the stalled bid to build at the pierhead.

Group leader Tory Trevor Byford, who worked as a redcoat for Butlins during the 1970s, said the plan would bring some “showbusiness” and “razzle-dazzle” to the seafront. He said it could be moored by the pierhead.

He added: “We should be looking to make the most of the pier. I believe people would really love to see a ship like that, with so much history, when they look out to sea. It would make a real statement about Southend.”

The TS Queen Mary was built in 1933 and ferried thousands of passengers around Scotland before her retirement in 1977.

In 1981, she was refitted as a floating restaurant and taken to London, where she was later converted again to include two bars and two functions rooms.

She was towed out of London two years ago – destined for a new life in La Rochelle, France, but the deal fell through at the last minute and the ship has been moored at Tilbury ever since.

She is on sale for offers between £150,000 and £200,000, although that figure could rise to nearer £1million once maintenance and refurbishing costs are factored in.

Richard Lane, of selling agents Capital Boats, said: “She needs to be dry-docked and there are a number of elements which would need attention. That said, she has still got a lot of life left in her.”

If the council’s Tory leadership baulks at the cost, Mr Byford said he may even consider forming a private consortium to buy the ship and tow her to Southend anyway.

The plan has been backed by councillors from across the political spectrum.

Lib Dem councillor Alan Crystall said: “I think it is an excellent idea.

“It is exactly the sort of ambition we have and the sort of thing to which we should be aspiring. I am behind Trevor 100 per cent.”