One of the most iconic heritage buildings on the British coast has been purchased and is set to reopen in a major step forward for the city’s regeneration and visitor economy.
The Kursaal, in Southend, Essex, is one of the world’s first purpose-built amusement parks and closed in 1986, later restored in 1998 and sitting vacant since 2019.
The purchase secures the future of the Grade II listed landmark and begins a long-term plan to bring the building back to life for residents, families, and visitors.
The new owners, Star Amusements, confirmed the purchase marks the beginning of a phased programme focused on stabilising the building, carrying out detailed structural and heritage surveys, and “developing a long-term, sustainable plan for the Kursaal’s future”.
Nick Singer, Operations Director of Star Amusements, said: “The Kursaal is one of Southend’s most important historic assets, and securing its future is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“Our immediate priority is to protect the building and fully understand its condition, but our long-term vision is clear – we want to bring the Kursaal back to its former glory.
“We see real potential for the building to once again become a place where families and friends come together, creating new activity, supporting local jobs, and adding renewed energy to the eastern seafront.
“This will take time and careful planning, but we are committed to working collaboratively with the council, heritage partners, and the community to get it right”.
Nick Singer (left) and John Remblance (right) are the new leaseholders of the Kursaal
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Matt Hasdell (supplied)
The firm will takeover the running of the landmark building from AEW, which had previously been granted a 250-year lease on the site.
Alongside essential heritage protection, the ambition is to restore the Kursaal to its former glory and re-establish it as a flagship destination, setting new standards as one of the largest Family Entertainment Centres in the country.
The Kursaal, which was most recently a bowling alley after a turbulent history since opening more than 120 years ago, will be used for leisure purposes and no financial subsidy from the council is involved.
The building has stood mostly empty since 2019, with just a Tesco Express supermarket remaining at the site.
The Grade II listed Kursaal building has been left vacant for some years
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Listed in Southend Council’s “dirty dozen” list, The Kursaal was among 12 locations across the city eyed for redevelopment – with particular sites highlighted as those with “negligent” landowners who had no long term plan for a makeover.
The new announcement came amid Southend City Day, where Labour council leader Daniel Cowan and Southend East and Rochford Labour MP Bayo Alaba revealed Star Amusements had agreed to take over the site with a transfer of the lease expected by the end of summer.
Mr Cowan told GB News: “When our administration came into office we promised we would secure a meaningful future for the Kursaal, and this announcement shows we are delivering on that commitment.
“After years of uncertainty, the building now has a credible local operator and a clear path to reopening, which is a major step forward for Southend and for protecting one of our city’s most iconic landmarks”.
Labour leader of Southend Council, Daniel Cowan (left) and Southend East and Rochford MP, Bayo Alaba (right) announced the new leaseholders
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Matt Hasdell (supplied)
Star Amusements have a huge stake in the coastal city, overseeing an array of seafront businesses including the Circus Circus amusements, ice cream parlour Scoops 37, Kingpins bowl, and The Borough Hotel pub.
The business group also co-organised the city’s eight week long seafront firework display over October and November last year – a huge investment that boosted the local economy.
Speaking on the latest acquisition, John Remblance, CEO, said: “This is a proud and deeply personal moment as we take on the Kursaal, one of Southend’s most iconic landmarks.
“After more than forty years working along this seafront, this is more than an investment in a building – it’s an investment in Southend’s future.
“The Kursaal has always been part of the city’s identity, and I’m honoured to help shape its next chapter.
“Our ambition is to respect its heritage while creating a market‑leading leisure and entertainment destination that brings visitors, supports local businesses, and puts Southend firmly back on the map.
“This is the start of a long journey, and we’re committed to doing it properly.
“In the months ahead, we’ll share more as we bring new life and energy to this legendary building”.
The Kursaal Flyers pose for a group portrait outside the Kursaal Amusement Park, Southend, 1976
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The takeover comes amid Bayo Alaba MP’s wider plans to regenerate and renew areas of Southend and Rochford, partnering with Historic England and other bodies to bring the city and surrounding area back up to standard.
His ongoing work involves overhauling other local landmarks, such as the Freight House in Rochford – a historic, 139-year-old venue known to have hosted community events, markets, and performances.
The MP for Southend East and Rochford said: “The Kursaal is a landmark of Southend. It’s not just bricks and mortar – it’s one of the most culturally significant buildings in our city.
“Great-grandparents met in the ballroom, children have grown up laughing in its arcades and bowling alleys, and countless memories made here connect generations across Southend.
“Since being elected, getting the Kursaal back into community use has been a top priority of mine. This has been months of hard work and collaboration alongside the Council, AEW and Star Amusements – and it’s finally paid off.
“I am excited to work with Star Amusements in the coming months to facilitate the Kursaal’s next chapter”.
