JUST what is going on at the Palace?

By now, the historic hotel was supposed to have entered a new phase as a thriving hotel and conference centre for the University of Essex.

The huge old building was also supposed to be active in its other role, revitalising the Golden Mile and acting as a landmark linking the High Street with the seafront.

Instead, the Palace has remained shrouded in tarpaulin, scaffolding and - until now - mystery.

Thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, we now know there is no agreement, as yet, between the hotel owner and the university.

This is slightly worrying, bearing in mind the original timescale set down last April as the provisional opening date for the new Palace Hotel.

The sense of disappointment is considerable.

For a start, the university needs the Palace to fulfil its ambitions.

A magnificent Edwardian building renovated for the 21st century is the perfect embodiment of Southend's bid to be the university town and centre of learning of the Thames Gateway.

The Palace project is also an important indicator of whether or not the regeneration process works.

Here, seemingly, was the perfect co-operative venture between the private sector and a public institution, which would revitalise Southend's economy.

This aim is laudable and achievable.

The Palace is held in high esteem and much has been made of the benefits of its redevelopment.

Let's hope the university, and hotel owner Octagon Assets redouble their efforts to come to an agreement soon.