Troubled Pitsea town centre was today facing a more positive future with revelations that top high street stores and sports clubs are to move in.

Two companies in the centre's Pembroke House are also preparing to employ dozens of local people as they expand their businesses.

Site owner London and Cambridge Properties is also trying to tidy up the market and attract more retailers.

The old Co-Op site, in Northlands Pavement, is being converted into five shop units which have already been snapped up by retail companies.

Shoppers can expect both men and women's clothing stores, a jewellers, a card shop and a cafe on site by June.

A snooker club has also shown an interest in moving into the upper level of either the Co-Op or the old Sainsbury's building.

Half of the doomed Sainsbury's supermarket site will open as cut-price food store Aldi.

Sainsbury pulled out of the centre last May because of tough competition from nearby Tesco Extra and Lidl.

It has now been announced the other half of the building is being sought by a top named high street clothing store.

However, it has not been revealed which store has shown an interest.

Holiday company Universal Vacations recently moved its team of 90 into the market's Pembroke House.

Bosses announced they will soon be looking to expand staff numbers.

NCI, a credit recovery agency, is also planning to increase its workforce from 30 to 100.

Tom Stronach, town centre manager said: "This is not only good news for Pitsea town centre but for the local economy too. We are looking at all options at the moment and not ruling anything out.

"London and Cambridge intends to be here for a very long time so we will not rush into the wrong decision."

The boom comes as the police, council and town centre managers strive to combat youth nuisance which has plagued the area in recent months.

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