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.

He said: "The purchase of the Odeon site was completed on March 1 and our architects are already drawing up plans.

"We want to turn the old Odeon building into a retail shopping centre which we believe would give a huge boost to the whole town."

The end to legal action against Martin Dawn represents the latest twist in a saga that has gone on for months. The college initially teamed up with the property company to spearhead its campus plan.

However, the deal later collapsed, which led to the petition for bankruptcy and winding up order in the High Court, brought against Martin Dawn by the college and KSS architects, who designed the new building.

The case was withdrawn and Mr Martin said he believed the matter was now settled. He added: "Martin Dawn were never served with a High Court petition.

"A claim was lodged by KSS in late January, which was supported by the college, but both parties had withdrawn by the end of last week. But Martin Dawn and Southend United were never in any jeopardy and we are now seeking costs from both KSS and the college."

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Published Friday, March 15, 2002