STUNNING images of the proposed transformation of Southend’s once-adored Empire Theatre into plush apartments and shops have been unveiled, as bosses insist it is “the start of new city centre”.
Earlier this year, plans were submitted to Southend Council for 27 self-contained flats alongside seven proposed commercial units at the derelict remains of the cinema and theatre in the heart of Southend.
This would see the old Empire Theatre site, between Alexandra Street and Clarence Street, overhauled and transformed into a five and six-storey block of flats.
The site, also formerly an ABC cinema, has been empty since 2017 when the Empire Theatre was demolished.
Alongside the flats there would be balconies and terraces, amenity space, parking, a communal gym and a shared garden.
A spokesman for Skarchitects said: “After nearly four years of design development we are eagerly awaiting the outcome of our planning application to progress Southend City Centre from a town to a city.
“The old Empire Theatre site in Alexandra Street is proposed as a mixed-use development with a large area given over to a new pedestrian tree-lined street together which a series of small commercial units to the ground floor within an enclosed arcade.
“The proposal also includes a community space on the first floor opening out onto a shared garden and a series of city centre contemporary apartments.
“Our proposals for the old Empire Theatre site have created a series of public and semi-public spaces, including a sizeable courtyard between the proposal and locally listed Clarence Yard, with a pedestrian tree lined avenue linking Clarence Street to Alexander Street, vastly improving on an area that was previously prone to anti-social behaviour. We strongly believe the proposal will make a positive contribution to Alexandra and Clarence Street.”
The site had been a magnet for vandals and antisocial behaviour until it was demolished and boarded up.
It is one of two town centre developments drawn up by Westcliff-based Skarchitects on behalf of developer Vikesh Kotecha who also hopes to build flats in Tylers Avenue.
The Skarchitects spokesman added: “We believe this scheme along with other projects we are working on are transformational and will lead to an aspirational city centre living, working, and relaxing by the sea.
“Underpinning the overall design and aspiration for the development is the move from town to city which requires a significant rethinking about our townscape.
“We believe this development is the start of a new city centre and delivers exceptional high-quality architecture, much improved public space, and improvements to the city centre economy, together with community facilities that will benefit both the existing and future residents of the city centre.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed for a positive outcome.”
The new CGI images show the transformation and modern proposed development.
Mike Gray, the managing director of Dedman Gray, added: “I am delighted to see that a creative scheme has now come forward for this prime regeneration site in the town centre as earlier designs and ideas didn’t make enough of the opportunity to develop this site to its full potential.
“It has been many years since the owner acquired the site and demolish the old building and it is also encouraging to see they still want to take the development forward and have a strategy in place to ensure it is delivered.
“I am particularly excited about the linking of Clarence Street and Alexandra Street with the open space which is what is needed.”
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