DEVELOPERS have shared an exclusive preview inside Southend’s new state-of-the-art IMAX cinema which due to be delivered as part of the multi-million pound Seaway plans.

Turnstone - the firm behind the development - has released a 3D virtual tour, available here, giving residents a chance to see what it will be like to walk around the new leisure facility on the Seaway car park, just off the seafront in Southend.

Tim Deacon, Director at Turnstone Estates, said: “Our £50 million investment in Southend will turbo charge the town centre’s economy to deliver a new year-round state of the art leisure facility for the whole community to enjoy.

“We hope Seaway Leisure will be approved by Southend Council in the coming months and are thrilled to provide residents with a first-time glimpse inside our exciting vision for a better Seaway.”

Alongside a state-of-the-art Empire Cinema, Seaway Leisure is also due to include a 20-lane Hollywood Bowl, an 80-room Travelodge Hotel, restaurants and a new public square with landscaping.

Turnstone’s £50 million investment in the site is expected to generate an additional £15 million for the borough’s economy every year and create up to 550 jobs.

Planners have promised the proposal for a new 555-space surface and multi-storey car park, with parking studies showing 2,000 spare spaces in neighbouring car parks, also means there will still be ample parking in the town centre.

The council has had a long-standing vision to redevelop the site to contribute to leisure, culture and tourism in central Southend as set out in the Southend Central Area Action Plan 2018.

The developer hopes a decision on the £50 million plans will be delivered later this year.

Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinemas said: “We are thrilled to be announcing our investment in IMAX technology as part of our new Southend Cinema.

“This further reinforces our commitment to providing the most cutting edge, immersive viewing experience for cinema-goers.”

More information about the project can be found by visiting www.seawayleisure.co.uk.

NB The virtual tour states it is Empire Sutton but Turnstone have said this is because the two cinemas will be identical.