A seafront funfair is set to expand into the derelict site of its neighbour. Fantasy Island, located on Canvey’s Eastern Esplanade in Essex, will take over the site formerly occupied by Leisure Island.

Having entertained locals and tourists for 20 years, Leisure Island closed in February after a devastating fire last year. Now, Fantasy Island owners Derek and Suzanne Gray are said to have “big plans” for the site’s expansion, with new attractions set to be built.

They have secured council support and hope that the new site can be in place by the summer. Leisure Island Fun Park announced its closure on social media in February but did not give a reason.

Though it had already stopped operating, it was expected that refurbishments would be carried out and that the park would reopen.

It had included over 20 rides and attractions but the business confirmed that these had all been cleared, thanking the “nearly 3,000 members of staff” who had worked there over the years.

Management added: “As everyone knows, 95% of our staff were 16 and 17-year-olds and started their working life at the park.

“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.”

At the time, Fantasy Island co-owner Derek Gray insisted Canvey seafront was still “moving forward” and people were “getting confidence back in the area”.

The closure of Leisure Island followed a fire at the site in September, when the park said a blaze caused damage to its toilet block, first aid room, baby changing area and compactor area.

Speaking after Fantasy Island’s expansion plans were announced, Canvey Independent councillor Barry Palmer confirmed the park wanted the new area to be open within months.

“They want a chance to get open for the summer. I know they have some ideas and have been talking about it. They are great people and did have some big plans but didn’t have the room at their existing site,” he said, according to the Echo.

He 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. The council has offered them a two-year lease, with a reasonable rate to help get them started at first, and after that, the cost will be more after it’s up and running.”