DEVELOPERS plan to add two additional floors to an old office block as part of efforts to transform the gateway to Southend from dowdy, crumbling high-rises to sleek new homes.

Victoria House is one of a series of old office blocks to be converted into modern, purpose-built homes in Victoria Avenue, Southend.

Adel Designs Ltd is seeking permission to add two floors to the building, creating 11 new flats.

The ambitious proposal– which follows a catalogue of recent office block investment plans – is expected to get the green light from councillors on Wednesday.

Mike Gray, director of Dedman Gray estate agents, said the huge investment in Victoria Avenue was a huge success story, creating homes where people want to live.

He said: “Southend Council and the planners have for some years been very enthusiastic to bring forward various commercial buildings and encourage property owners to come forward with development proposals.

“This forward thinking has certainly lead to a transformation of Victoria Avenue. Most to the buildings are now either occupied or under the final stages of construction with good residential schemes in place.”

If given the go ahead by Southend councillors next week, the six-storey Victoria House will get two more storeys with space for 11 flats in addition to the 60 already built.

It is the latest development in the transformation of Victoria Avenue and a mark of the popularity of the flats in central Southend.

The developments include the transformation of the former Heath and Carby House blocks, Baryta House and the construction of the huge Victoria Central, which is currently under way.

Mr Gray added: “Victoria Central is being built on the site of Portcullis House, which was another redundant building. There has been a mix of refurbishments and newly built apartments and it’s certainly showing signs of becoming a successful part of the regeneration of this part of Southend.”

The extra floors in Victoria House, which was built in the 1960s, will contain a mix of one, two and three-storey homes and will add more than 21ft to the height of the building. Flats in Victoria Avenue sell for between £250,000 and £350,000.

Mark Newman, a director at Winkworth Estate Agents in Leigh said: “I think it’s been great for the regeneration of the area. Demand for new builds is still very strong and the help to buy scheme is still valid.

“It’s easier to get planning for blocks like this as in many cases there’s no need for office space especially with the Covid pandemic.

“I think this area now looks a lot nicer, and there’s one development with a square and cafe and I also think it’s much safer too.”

A report by Southend Council’s planners said: “The proposal is acceptable in principle and provides an appropriate dwelling mix. It would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.”

AN office block converted into flats in the gateway to Southend is set to get two more floors of homes added due to the popularity of sales.

Victoria House, 47 Victoria Avenue, Southend is set to get taller with after an additional 11 homes after council planning officers recommended the plans are given the green light.

Developer Aldel Designs Ltd is behind the plans with Southend Council set to give the proposals the go ahead next Wednesday.

Property experts say the plans make sense and great use of the site and former offices.

Mike Gray, director of Dedman Grey estate agents, said the transformation of the boulevard from dowdy offices to sleek apartments has been a huge success.

He said: “Southend Council and the planners have for some years been very enthusiastic to bring forward various commercial buildings and encourage property owners to come forward with development proposals.

“This forward thinking has certainly lead to a transformation of Victoria Avenue. Most to the buildings are now either occupied or under the final stages of construction with good residential schemes in place.”

If given the go ahead by Southend councillors next week, six-storey Victoria House will get two more storeys with space for 11 flats in addition to the 60 already built.

It is the latest development in the transformation of Victoria Avenue and a mark of the popularity of the flats in central Southend.

The developments include the transformation of the former Heath and Carby House blocks, Baryta House and the construction of Victoria Central.

Mr Gray added: “Victoria Central is being built on the site of Portcullis House, which was another redundant building. There has been a mix of refurbishments and newly built apartments and it’s certainly showing signs of becoming a successful part of the regeneration of this part of Southend.”

The extra floors in Victoria House, which was built in the 1960s, will contain a mix of one, two and three-storey homes and will add more than 21ft to the height of the building. Flats in Victoria Avenue sell for between £250,000 and £350,000.

Mark Newman, 50, director at Winkworth Estate Agents in Leigh said: “I think it’s been great for the regeneration of the area. Demand for new builds is still very strong and the help to buy scheme is still valid.

“It’s easier to get planning for blocks like this as in many cases there’s no need for office space especially with the Covid pandemic.

“I think this area now looks a lot nicer, and there’s one development with a square and cafe and I also think it’s much safer too.”

A report by planners said: “The proposal is acceptable in principle and provides an appropriate dwelling mix. It would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.”