A landmark cinema is set for a new lease of life as a state-of-the-art shopping centre thanks to a £2m deal with the company behind Southend United.

Empty - the former Odeon site may be turned into a new shopping centre. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 88KY46

Developer Martin Dawn confirmed it had bought the former Odeon cinema in Elmer Approach, Southend, leaving South East Essex College's £30m relocation in chaos.

The college wanted to use the Odeon as a high-profile gateway to its new campus on the former goods yard in Elmer Approach.

Martin Dawn chairman Ron Martin announced the deal after legal action by the college and its architects to claw back alleged unpaid debts was settled out of court.

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Published Friday, March 15, 2002