Southend City Council has announced Star Amusements as the new leaseholder of the Grade II-listed Kursaal, with the operator confirming plans to reinvigorate the dilapidated seafront landmark as a “market leading leisure and entertainment destination.” It’s a stellar move by Star and shows a spirited ambition for Southend and beyond.
Star Amusements is to take on the leasehold of Southend’s landmark Kursaal building, with the operator confirming plans to restore the Grade II-listed seafront site before converting it into a “market leading leisure and entertainment destination.”
The Star deal, facilitated by local councillors and MP Bayo Alaba, will secure the future of the 120-year-old building after seven years of vacancy and structural decline, returning the heritage amusement venue to its “former glory.”
“This is a proud and deeply personal moment as we take on the Kursaal, one of Southend’s most iconic landmarks,” said Star CEO John Remblance. “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.”
The transfer of the lease is expected to be completed this summer, with the first stage of work focusing on detailed structural and heritage surveys to stabilise the fabric of the building itself, before plans get underway for a family-friendly leisure offer.
“The Kursaal is one of Southend’s most important historic assets, and securing its future is both a privilege and a responsibility,” added Star’s director Nick Singer. “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.”
Remblance was also focused on the future noting the announcement was “the start of a long journey,” with Star set to post regular updates for locals “as we bring new life and energy to this legendary building.”
It was an exciting step, too, for the aspiring city. Bayo Alaba MP spoke enthusiastically about the prospect of bringing what is believed to be the world’s first entertainment park back into play. He 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.”
He added: “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.”
Fresh waters for Kursaal
John Remblance 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…
