THE KURSALL could be transformed into a hotel, ice skating rink or water park, according to one of Southend’s most prominent businessmen.

The 120-year-old iconic seafront building lies almost entirely empty, with a Tesco Express the only remaining tenant and the council locked in battle with current leaseholders AEW over repairs.

Philip Miller MBE, executive chairman of the Stockvale group which owns Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure, says his group would love to take over the building but the financial reality of such a deal at present would be prohibitive.

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“It has sentimental as well as potential commercial value to us,” Mr Miller said, recalling working there as a youth.

“I cut my teeth in the old Kursaal amusement park starting out when I was ten years old. My Dad would say you’re not going to school today you’re coming to work!”

Mr Miller says he has a “million ideas” for what potential transformations of the building, from hotels, to ice skating and water parks.

"The Stockvale group would love to own the Kursaal... The only thing stopping us is cash,” he said.

“As in all these things they always look great on paper.

“Just look at the aborted Seaway scheme looked great when it first emerged but doesn’t stack up nowadays. It’s like the Tom Cruise film Jerry Maguire, the immortal line was ‘show me the money’ those boys never had any and were hoping to attract investors.”

AEW reportedly have close to 200 years left on their contract, which the council extended over a decade ago.

Any deal to takeover the building would have to be large enough to entice AEW to break the lease, and would then come with huge expenditure bringing the building back into repair.

When asked if AEW would be prepared to sell the lease, the firm declined to comment.

Despite the exorbitant funding required to pull it off, Mr Miller believes his firm is best placed to make a success of the building.

“We of course have a big advantage over the out of town one shot kids,” he said.

“We are local and cater for local needs first and foremost. We treat our businesses with the same mentality as the corner shop as in you are only as good as your last customer. 

“In saying all that I wouldn’t mind investing in the operating side of things but just would not be able to justify buying the lease as well.”

Southend Council insists it is maintaining pressure on AEW to keep up with vital repairs and ensure the building remains viable for redevelopment. 

In October of last year it was reported the building had become home to pigeons roosting in the ceiling.

Boarded-up windows, where the birds are said to have been able to enter the building, can be seen from street.

Kursaal ward Labour councillor Matt Dent says he too dreams of a future where the building is renovated and brought back into public use.

“We all want to see the Kursaal become a hub for the public again, in whatever form that may be,” he said.

“The problem right now is the money, and with the council prioritising front line services with budgets currently stretched, it’s hard to see what can be done.

“For now the council will continue discussions with AEW over maintenance and repairs to ensure the building is kept to the best possible standards.”