SOUTHEND’S landmark Kursaal should be transformed into an indoor market mimicking the hugely successful Grainger Market in Newcastle, a campaigner says.
Andrew Brookes, a Conservative council candidate for Kursaal ward, says it is a “crying shame” the building has fallen into disrepair.
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The 66-year-old believes the building should be transformed to replicate Newcastle’s the Grainger - a famous indoor market first opened in 1835.
It comes as Southend Council insists it is maintaining pressure on the leaseholder of the Kursaal - AEW - to keep up with vital repairs and ensure the building remains viable for redevelopment.
Mr Brookes said: “Just think of how that could stimulate business in the area, giving independent farmers and food growers a beautiful building to sell their produce from.
“It has these beautiful high ceilings and could become a fantastic tourist attraction and resource for residents who want fresh produce, like the Grainer in Newcastle.”
The Grainger is a covered market situated in the centre of Newcastle and is home to hundreds of independent traders and small businesses.
The Kursaal, in contrast, lies almost entirely empty, with a Tesco Express the only remaining tenant.
The 120-year-old landmark, once synonymous with Southend’s bustling and energetic attractions, has fallen into a state of disrepair.
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 after the council put pressure on the leaseholder to undertake repairs.
“It’s on the backburner at the moment, due to the obvious financial difficulties,” Kursaal Labour councillor Matt Dent said.
“The council needs to focus on making ends meet but it’s still an aspiration to get it back up and running. In the meantime, we will work with the leaseholder to do the necessary upkeep.
“There were some broken windows, and the leaseholder has taken the first step to board them up, next step is for them to be fixed.”
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