A PROPOSED bar and nightclub is set to liven up Canvey’s seafront, according to the businessman behind the plans.

Bar and spa entrepreneur Gareth Crouch intends to spend more than £70,000 refurbishing Buddy’s Bar, at 35 Eastern Esplanade.

The building has been unused since October. Mr Crouch eventually hopes to open a nightclub in premises above the bar, which was home to Vibe Nightclub.

He said: “Our intention is to provide local jobs for the economy, assist the regeneration of the seafront area and provide a quality venue.

“If we can bring a bit of extra trade to the area then it’s going to benefit everyone.”

Landlord James Parkin, who owns the nearby Movie Starr Cinema and is the founder of the We Love Canvey campaign supporting local businesses, was equally positive.

He said: “A bit of investment can only be a good thing. It’s been looking a bit bare down there ever since the casino went in the Nineties.

“It’s been a nightclub for more than 30 years so I can’t see there being any complaints. I’m sure he will soundproof it and do a proper job.”

Mr Crouch currently owns C&K Spas, which has a showroom, bar and private function venue at Tavistock House, in Canvey’s Charfleets Industrial Estate. The bar caused controversy last year after neighbours complained about noise.

It was also discovered Mr Crouch did not have the correct planning permission.

The businessman hopes to replace the Charfleets bar with his new venture in Eastern Esplanade if the deal goes ahead.

He is currently in negotiations with Mr Parkin over the lease and hopes to have a contract finalised next week.

He has also applied for a certificate of proposed lawful use from Castle Point Council.

He said: “We could have just gone in there and opened it as it was, but we want to open a quality establishment. Following our last experience, we don’t want any grey areas over how it’s used.”