Leigh Ship Hotel is projected to open in summer 2024

The Ship, in New Road, closed in 2017 due to “unforeseen circumstances”, and the East Anglia Pub Company was granted permission in November 2019 to transform it into a 15-bedroom hotel. 

Closed - The Ship pub (Image: Newsquest)

However, the pub has remained boarded up ever since and concern has begun to grow that the project may have stalled. 

This week, workers were spotted coming and going from the site and the East Anglia Pub Company has issued a positive update about its future. 

Paul Barthaud, director of East Anglia Pub Company, said: “We’re finalising plans to commence works early 2024, aiming to be open summer season 2024.

“It’ll boast 15 bedrooms with six family rooms, two second floor suites, a restaurant, vaulted ceilings and most rooms will have outside space or balconies.

“We expect to be taking reservations from spring 2024 for the summer.”

Plan - the new hotel (Image: Southend Council)

There will also be seven parking spaces, as well as a taxi drop-off point.

Carolyne Goodall, Leigh resident and mum, said: “With the lack of work, it’s made Leigh look a bit run down, however, I’m glad progress is set to start soon.

“It’s what Leigh needs because we’ve not got anything like this, and it will bring benefits, such as tourism to the town.

“My only concern is it’s on the really busy school route, and it could cause even more traffic.”

Peter Wexham, Leigh Liberal Democrat councillor, echoed Ms Goodall’s comments. 

He said: “It’s like every other project in Southend; once something is open, there’s always a concern about a possible issue. For this project, it’ll be parking.

“Right now, it sounds like there will not be enough spaces for all of the users.

“But looking to the positive, the idea of Leigh getting a hotel is fantastic because people can spend more time in the town, rather than spending a couple of hours here.