A property developer has snapped up a prime piece of land on Southend seafront, giving rise to hopes that redevelopment is once again a possibility.

The piece of land, located at the corner of Marine Parade and Southchurch Avenue, has been purchased by London-based company Goldfield Developments Limited for £2 million.

News of the property deal has kicked off redevelopment hopes for the area, something Southend Council and its partner, Renaissance Southend, have long seen as important to reviving the seafront.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said, “Let’s hope someone investing in the site has the funding and ability to develop it. We wait with interest to see what plans or proposals are put to us. A number of businesses along there have invested significantly in recent years. If we can see similar investment on the site, it has to be a good thing,” he added.

The piece of land, which lies opposite the iconic Kursaal building, includes the former Funland amusement arcade and Ye Olde Chippy, plus a new private car park. It does not include the Foresters Arms pub or the New Ship, which has been closed since Christmas.

Murray Foster, vice-chairman of Renaissance Southend, said, “The planning permission given in 2007 was for a wide range of uses. We would like to think that still remains fit for purpose.

“The hope is the improvements on the seafront through the City Beach project will act as a catalyst for the private sector to come forward with compatible development in this area,” he added.