A CARPET firm which has served Southend for nearly half a century will “100 per cent be coming back” after it temporarily relocates whilst the shop is demolished and replaced with flats.

The family-run Kenbro carpet store in Sutton Road has been in the city for 45 years, surviving a host of changes in the retail sector including the Covid pandemic and the switch to online shopping.

Plans for the site, which include eight one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom flats, plus three shop units, have been recommended for approval by council officers.

Bosses at Kenbro have revealed they will move out while construction work takes place, but will then return to operate out of one of the new units.

Director Antony Mason, 53, said: “We will be coming back to the site when the development is built and will relocate while the works are taking place - it’ll probably be a nearby industrial estate.

“Retail has changed a lot over the years and a lot of companies have downsized, we have too. We are working in about half of the shop and it’s a sign of the times.

“Everything has gone up in costs, and lot of businesses are working from showrooms and do not need such big units.

“We have a massive name and customer base in Southend, and a nice relationship with many customers.”

The two-storey shop and warehouse will be demolished, the new building being a mix of three and four storeys.

The application raised some concerns from neighbours, including the height, size, and number of flats proposed. The design and of the new building, and its impact on neighbouring properties, were also sited.

Mr Mason added: “Prices have gone up and customer’s spending habits have changed too. There are going to be three quite large retail units in the new development and we will 100 per cent be coming back to the site.

“We will keep this shop open and renovate the one we are relocating to and there will then be a transition period.

“If the shop we relocate to is doing well we could keep both going.”