English island theme park reveals plans for huge expansion ahead of summer
A SEAFRONT funfair is set to expand into a derelict neighbourhood, following closure due to a fire.
Leisure Island, on Canvey Island, announced its closure on Facebook, back in February, due to a fire.
However, the owners of the seafront funfair complex are now hoping to expand after buying a nearby derelict site.
The owners of nearby Fantasy Island, Derek and Suzanne Gray, are said to have “big plans”, including creating new attractions.
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.”
Leisure Island, which is located on the Eastern Esplanade of Canvey Island in Essex, closed following a devastating fire last September.
The attraction had been open for two decades.
The former amusement park was then cleared of all its rides in February, following the fire.
The Leisure Island Fun Park, at one point, had more than 20 rides and attractions on the Eastern Esplanade.
When the fire broke out in September 2024, damage was caused to its toilet block, first aid room, baby changing area and compactor area.
In a statement on Facebook, Leisure Island thanked the public for supporting the business over the years and the “nearly 3,000 members of staff” who worked at the park over the years.
The statement said: “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.”
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the local council has offered the owners a two-year lease, which includes a reasonable rate to help get them started.
Mr Palmer added: “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.”
He also noted how the owner are great people, and that the current site does not have sufficient space for their plans, hence the need for a new site.
On the Facebook post announcing the closure of the park, one previous visitor commented: “So sad. When we first went here with our son 12 years ago we couldn’t believe the little gem we found, so much cheaper than Southend and we returned time and time again with family.
“Sorry you have had to close. Good luck with your future. Thank you for never trying to rip off families and always giving us value for money. Truly one of a kind.”
Another user added: “Really sad to hear this. Thank you for giving me some of my fondest memories with my son and I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say thank you for keeping it so affordable for families.”
Wristbands to the amusement park would cost only £8 for the day, and accompanying adults could go on the rides for free.
A 3D interactive map still on the park’s website, shows the rides and attractions that once stood at the park, including dodgems, trampolines, teacups and flying chairs.
One of the UK’s oldest holiday parks has also recently reopened, with a £12million revamp.
Plus, the UK’s largest outdoor water park is set to reopen for the season soon.