AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop “eyesore” sites in Southend city centre into plush new apartment blocks have been backed by neighbours.

Plans have been revealed for 27 flats at the site of the former Empire Theatre in Alexandra Street and proposals have also emerged for 58 flats on the old Churchills diner site in Tylers Avenue.

Businesses based in Alexandra Street have welcomed the potential of the sites being developed.

The old theatre, also formerly a cinema, had fallen in to serious disrepair and has been left derelict.

Philip McNaughton, owner of Books by the Sea, said: “I accept it probably will be housing and it needs something done there as it’s a waste and is quite ugly.

Echo:

“I think homes are better than nothing there. The street art is nice but we need something done properly to it.

“I know it’s not going to be a theatre again.”

The Empire Theatre scheme includes 27 flats with balconies and terraces, parking, and seven shops on the ground floor.

The theatre site has been derelict for years.

At the site of the former Churchills, planning permission is being sought for a tower block with 58 new homes on the site, in Tylers Avenue, which became Mangetout restaurant after Churchill’s closed.

Former Tory councillor for Milton, Jonathan Garston, said: “I hope the parking is looked at and will need to be considered I think.

“This plan could work here and we have to be mindful of the housing need and using sites like this rather than the open green belt space.

Echo:

“I think the future of city centre is more homes and housing on sites like this. I think this plan is right in principle.

“I very much welcome the potential of the site being put back into use as we cannot leave sites derelict like this for too long.

“We should be looking at sites like this when it comes to development to save and protect our green belt - it’s something I am very passionate about.”

Tony Cox, leader of Southend Conservatives said: “It is derelict and I think most would welcome development there but I do not think we want overdevelopment.

“I know it needs works there and would not be against homes planned there. Something needs to be done with the site and homes would work well.”