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Seafront funfair to expand into derelict neighbour

Aimee Dexter
BBC News, Essex
Matthew Critchell
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Richard Knights/BBC A pink small pink building is sat in the middle of the picture. It is boarded up, and still has posters of promoting Leisure Island on the front. In the background, a fence runs rounds the building, and a field is beyond the fence. Richard Knights/BBC
Leisure Island, on Canvey Island, announced its closure on Facebook in February

The owners of a seafront funfair complex are hoping to expand after buying up a derelict neighbouring site.

Leisure Island, on the Eastern Esplanade of Canvey Island, Essex, closed its gates after two decades and a devastating fire last September.

The owners of nearby Fantasy Island, Derek and Suzanne Gray, are said to have "big plans" for the venture, with new attractions expected to be built. 

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Barry Palmer, Independent Councillor at Castle Point Borough Council, said: "They want a chance to get open for the summer. I know they have some ideas and have been talking about it."

The announcement follows the recent update on the government's promise to build Europe's first Universal theme park in the UK.

The Universal attraction is planned for the site of a former brickworks near Bedford and could create an estimated 28,000 jobs before opening in 2031.

Richard Knights/BBC The derelict site of Leisure Island spans across the image. Lots of old amusement buildings are lined up with their shutters closed. A big puddle of water is standing on the forecourt in front of the buildings. Richard Knights/BBC
The former amusement site cleared of all rides and facilities in February

At its height, Leisure Island Fun Park had more than 20 rides and attractions on the Eastern Esplanade.

Fire broke out at the site in September, causing damage to its toilet block, first aid room, baby changing area and compactor area.

In a statement on Facebook in February, Leisure Island thanked everyone who had supported the business and the "nearly 3,000 members of staff" who had worked at the park over the years.

"It's so sad we have had to close the park but hopefully we have created loads of memories for the families that visited us," the statement said.

Director Mr Gray, of Fantasy Island, owned by Monico Leisure, insisted Canvey seafront was still "moving forward" when speaking to the BBC in February.

Richard Knights/BBC Derek Gray is standing in front of a carousel ride. He is looking at the camera, and has brown hair. He is wearing a black padded coat, and a purple shirt. Richard Knights/BBC
Derek Gray owns the neighbouring Fantasy Island amusement park

He added: "We are getting more and more support of people coming down here and enjoying live facilities."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the local council has offered them a two-year lease, with a reasonable rate to help them get started.

Mr Palmer said: "They are great people and did have some big plans but didn't have the room at their existing site.

"Now with this new additional plot it will be a chance for them to do some wonderful things.

"It will be interesting to see what they do there."

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