HILTON hotel bosses have put pen to paper on a deal to build a 107-room hotel as part of Southend United’s new stadium complex.

The club’s bosses are rejoicing after the ambitious plan to relocate to Fossetts Farm received the major boost.

The large scale application to move from Roots Hall not only includes a 21,000 seater stadium, but also flats, shops and restaurants as well as the hotel.

Hilton has now committed to building one of their five star hotels on the site, once the relocation gains planning permission from Southend Council.

Chairman Ron Martin praised this latest development, saying it will bring a “world-class brand” to Southend.

Mr Martin, said: “Southend United Football Club is pleased to confirm contracts have been signed that will, subject to receipt of planning approval, welcome a new, 107 bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel at the club’s new state-of-the-art stadium - Fossetts Farm.

“Hilton is a leading global name and its Hampton by Hilton brand fits well with the comprehensive leisure and retail developments planned for the club.

"The proposal will underpin the club’s future, further enhancing the stadium complex and bringing a world class brand to Southend.

"The planning application for the new stadium was submitted in April 2017 and the club is hopeful of the council considering the application before much longer.”

The stadium plans have been in the pipeline for decades with some fans fearing the move may not happen.

However, this now represents a big step forward for the relocation.

Blues season ticket holder, Oli Salmons, 24, said: “It’s great news.

“This plan has been so long coming, and has been talked about for so many years, I don’t think many of us thought it would actually come to fruition.

“Obviously Hilton is a major brand so you’d hope that goes in favour of the plans, they definitely add some weight to the proposal.

“As far as I can tell as a fan, this sounds like a huge step forward and is quite exciting.”

The proposal also includes plans for two soccer domes and a host of retail shops.

A Southend Council vote on the move has been delayed since plans were submitted.