Former theatre site will include 24 flats

It has also been revealed that the block will include 24 flats, along with shops and a community centre off Alexandra Street.

The theatre has not been in use since 2008 and last year, after the site was purchased, it was agreed that it would be demolished.

Hong Kong based Sky Eagle Properties Limited, bought it for £750,000.

The firm’s application consists of 24 self-contained flats with balconies and terraces.

The deadline for the application is November 14, which is when the firm will find out from the council whether the plans can go ahead or not.

Matthew Wood, of Phase 2 Planning, the developers of the properties, gave more detail on the proposed development.

He said: “The application has been submitted to the borough council so we await to see whether it will be successful.

“We’ve taken into account that it is the site of the old theatre so there’ll be a lot of space on the ground floor.

“This is where we’ll have the shops and community centre.

“They will be one and two bedroom, open market, free to purchase flats which will identify local needs.”

The Empire Theatre first opened in 1896 and was later run as a cinema – first the Rivoli and later ABC.

The theatre had become rundown and in 2015, its roof collapsed, destroying part of the first-floor auditorium.

In 2012, Southend Vineyard submitted a planning application to the council to use the building for religious services.

Those plans were pulled in January 2013 after it was revealed in excess of £2million would need to be spent to renovate the building.

In August last year, extra security was hired to prevent trespassers from breaking into the site.

Then, in May, Jonathan Garston, councillor for Milton Ward, called for action as it had become an eyesore

He said: “I can remember going there and queueing up as a child, I have very fond memories.

“Over recent years it had become an eyesore.

“We have to move forward with the site and developing it is going to help the area.”