SOUTHEND Council is being urged to save the Kursaal and transform it into a museum showcasing the relics of the town’s Saxon King.

Tory leader, Tony Cox, says he can’t bear to see “the iconic building become an icon for the demise of Southend.”

And he is demanding council bosses kickstart talks with the leaseholder to ensure the Grade II listed building is brought back under their control.

He believes the Kursaal would be the ideal home to the remains of the town’s Saxon King, unearthed in Prittlewell in 2003.

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Mr Cox said: “I think it could be a permanent home for the remains, yes. What we can’t see is the iconic building become an icon for the demise of Southend.

“I think the council has got to step in and buy back the lease to save it.”

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Leading Southend councillors say they would be willing to consider different options if the leaseholder says it is willing to sell the asset.

Kevin Robinson, Labour councillor for business, culture and tourism, said: “We completely understand the concern about this important and historical building and questions about what the council can do.

“It is very important to note that although we are freeholder, there is a very long lease for the building in place, and to our knowledge, the current leaseholder does not wish to sell their leasehold interest at the current time.

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"Should that position change then the council could consider its options.

“It is also important to be clear that the council’s position as freeholder does not supersede that of the leaseholder who remains responsible for the building and its running at the current time.

"We do not have legal power or right to simply take the lease back and takeover the building.

“Having said that, we of course hope that the owners can find their way to a prosperous future for this building of significant importance and will seek to make contact with them to understand their immediate and medium-term plans for the site.”

Mr Robinson said it was “very disappointing” to hear of the closure of Rendezvous Casino, adding it was understandable given the challenging economic times we find ourselves in.

He added: “The sudden loss of income for the many staff at the casino is devastating, and we will be doing all we can to support those who now find themselves out of work.”