Multi-million pound plans for an Asda Wal-Mart superstore have been dumped after Southend's Victoria Plaza was sold off for the third time in seven years.
In a shock move, Delamare Estates, a 20-year-old company which specialises in retail property refurbishment, bought the complex from Catalyst Capital, which took over in 2000.
Today, Delamare insisted improvements remained on the cards but Asda Wal-Mart was no longer developing its new superstore.
Delamare added it was anticipated a revised planning application would be submitted in the autumn, with the intention of work beginning on the site early next year.
A company spokesman said: "We will be consulting with local stakeholders over the next few weeks prior to unveiling its new scheme.
Better toilets - Alan and Margaret Huxter Picture: MIKE MINERS 2VMCG1
"It is not anticipated that Asda, which was expected to anchor the currently proposed scheme by Catalyst Capital, will be involved in the revised plans. Victoria Plaza has fantastic potential and it will be our primary focus over the next few years.
Alan and Margaret Huxter, from Eastwood, have shopped in the plaza "for as long as it's been here". Alan said: "It needs more popular stores and a restaurant, better toilets and baby-changing facilities "
Published Thursday July 15, 2004
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