The Monico Leisure group is hoping to buy up two prime Canvey seafront sites, sparking speculation about their development.

The company, which runs the Monico pub and club in Eastern Avenue, has put in a bid to buy sites it currently rents from Castle Point Council.

Monico owners Derek and Suzanne Gray would not say why they have made the bid but it is believed they want to provide upgraded leisure facilities as part of Canvey's seafront revival.

One of the sites being bid for currently house Kiddies Corner, a small amusement park and miniature golf course opposite the Monico.

The Grays also want to buy two amusement arcades, the Carousel amusement arcade on the seafront near the Monico and Fantasy Island in Furtherwick Road.

Estate agents say the sites are worth several hundred thousand pounds, but the price would depend on whether the land was used for leisure or for development.

Published Wednesday July 14, 2004

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