A property company is poised to create up to 760 new jobs in Southend as part of a £35 million investment package, it was revealed today.

Billericay-based Lansbury Holdings is ploughing the cash into three exciting new projects in separate parts of the borough.

The first is a massive industrial park - totalling around 110,000 square feet - at Fossetts Farm in Southend.

In the company's blueprint for the unused land, Lansbury has promised to provide new accommodation for fast-expanding businesses.

A flagship B&Q warehouse store is also being planned on land between the Travel Inn hotel and Tesco supermarket on Prince Avenue, Westcliff.

The proceeds of this development will be used to fund two new retail stores at the current B&Q site in Queensway, Southend.

Lansbury director, Robert Clements said: "These three linked planning applications will greatly strengthen Southend's position in the Thames Gateway.

"They offer long-awaited, ready-to-occupy industrial buildings, state-of-the-art DIY retailing and a new town centre retail opportunity."

Mr Clements also pledged to inject new life into Southend's economy and a new spirit of optimism into the town centre.

He said: "Lansbury has the ability to take forward the town centre regeneration opportunity created by B&Q's relocation.

"The company's ownership of B&Q's store in the town centre and the Prince Avenue site, coupled with its ability to develop Fossetts Farm has created this regeneration and sustainable development opportunity."

Today, B&Q confirmed its intention to move to a huge new site and hailed the move as a sign of the company's commitment to Southend.

Development manager, Malcolm Edge said: "The proposal for a flagship Warehouse store at the Prince Avenue site demonstrates our belief that Southend is losing DIY sales to other towns in south Essex.

"In addition, B&Q can create four times as many jobs as the existing store. It will be a major economic boost for Southend."

Mr Clements today urged Southend Council to consider the speculative outline plans swiftly.

He added: "Because of the importance of the potential jobs investment, we hope the council will make rapid progress to approve the applications.

"As a result of Lansbury Holdings' and B&Q's investment in the three sites and a great jobs boost, there will be a multiplier effect on the local economy and many other follow-on advantages."

However, it is understood that the proposals for Fossetts Farm and the land on Prince Avenue would involve a radical departure from local planning policies.

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