Latest news with #LeisureIslandFunPark
BBC News
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Canvey Island funfair to expand into derelict neighbour
The owners of a seafront funfair complex are hoping to expand after buying up a derelict neighbouring Island, on the Eastern Esplanade of Canvey Island, Essex, closed its gates after two decades and a devastating fire last 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 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. At its height, Leisure Island Fun Park had more than 20 rides and attractions on the Eastern 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 Mr Gray, of Fantasy Island, owned by Monico Leisure, insisted Canvey seafront was still "moving forward" when speaking to the BBC in February. 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." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Seafront amusement park closes after 20 years
A seafront amusement park has closed after two decades. Leisure Island Fun Park on Canvey Island, Essex, announced its closure on social media but did not give reasons. It had more than 20 rides and attractions at its site on Eastern Esplanade, but these had all now been cleared, it said. Its owners had previously announced the park was to undergo a refurbishment, ready to open in time for Easter this year. In its statement, it said: "We are sadly announcing the closure of Leisure Island Fun Park on Canvey Seafront. "The site has now been cleared of all rides and facilities. "Can we thank everyone who has supported us over the last 20 years we have been open." It also thanked "the nearly 3,000 members of staff" who had worked at the park over the years. "As everyone knows 95% of our staff were 16- and 17-year-olds and started their working life at the park," it added. "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." In August the park announced it was to undergo a refurbishment, but added: "Due to our personal circumstances this will be carried out under the supervision of our new manager." However, in September it said a fire had broken out at the site, causing damage to its toilet block, first aid room, baby changing area and compactor area. Next to the park is Fantasy Island, another amusement park. Derek Gray, director of its owners Monico Leisure, said: "The leisure park nextdoor; unfortunately it's already been closed, probably for over 18 months already. "Canvey Seafront is moving forward. We are getting more and more support of people coming down here and enjoying live facilities... people are getting confidence back in the area." Mr Grey said he would like to see another leisure facility on the vacant site for the use of local people and day-trippers. The BBC has contacted Leisure Island Fun Park and Castle Point Borough Council for comment. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Leisure Island Fun Park
