Southend United fans are being given a tantalising first look at detailed images of their new stadium at Fossetts Farm.

The Echo has been given exclusive images for the new stadium off Eastern Avenue, which planning officers are currently scrutinising.

The stadium, which will replace Roots Hall Stadium, could be considered by Southend Council’s development control committee as early as next month.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

The plans, which have been years in the making, will include flats, shops, a hotel and multi-screen cinema in addition to the brand new stadium, designed by Populous, who were responsible for Arsenal’s Emirates ground and who are currently working on Tottenham’s new stadium.

The sleekly designed building is a residential and retail complex wrapped around the new stadium.

There are large open areas along with specially-designed blue metal gates leading on to a tree-lined pedestrian pathway.

A large public plaza will have pavement fountains, similar to those on Southend’s City Beach, for youngsters to enjoy.

The plans, which were lodged with the council at the end of April, have been registered by planning officers who are currently considering their recommendations before councillors debate the application.

The development, which will also have a 107 room Hilton Hotel, are set to provide a large number of jobs and a boost to the local economy.

Councillors have broadly welcomed the plans.

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Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “It will be a big boost for the town. We have many residents who are passionate about football.

“Before I was concerned about infrastructure and traffic flow and I want to know more about that, but in principle, I want to see a new stadium as it would be good for the town.”

Southend Council leader John Lamb also welcomed the plans along with other major developments like Seaway, another leisure and retail development near the seafront.

He said: “We need all of our developments. Our concern has been the size of some of the retail plans could cause the High Street to suffer but we are hoping that the two developments will complement each other.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

“I think Seaway and Fossetts will be really good for the town.”

Both developments hope to attract an operator for a multi-screen cinema

Mr Lamb added: “I’m hoping we get one into Seaway because it will be a wet weather venue for tourists and visitors and will keep people in the High Street.

“Access will be an important issue and we hope to get a loop system of transport for people to be able to get easily to both venues.”