LEADING Southend politicians hope a “deal can be done” in 2024 to bring the Kursaal pleasure palace back into use.

Negotiations for London-based property group AEW to surrender the 200-year lease have been ongoing for a number of years.

Southend Council only owns the freehold of the treasured Grade II-listed building.

Now, Southend Labour leader Daniel Cowan and Daniel Nelson, Conservative councillor responsible for economic growth and investment, hope talks can remain “positive” for a deal to be eventually struck.

Mr Cowan said: “It would be nice if we could get the lease back and start to do something to bring the community asset back into use.

“However, it’s more hope than confidence at this stage.

“The council has been looking at doing this for a number of years, but it all comes down to the leaseholders and how much they’re willing to accept to hand it back to the council.”

Southend Council recently decided to “claw back” the £10m it had committed for the Seaway car park cinema scheme, which has faltered.

Mr Cowan added: “Given the £10million contribution towards Seaway has gone back into capital reserves, it’s possible that could be used but that remains to be seen and that would only buy the lease.

“Whatever happens, a decision on what should go inside the building should be made by the community, be it a museum, market or a cinema or another fantastic idea.”

One idea flying around from the public includes an indoor fresh food market.

However, despite numerous ideas to bring the building back to life, it has started to become an eyesore with smashed windows becoming a regular sight.

Mr Nelson said: “What needs to happen is for us to get ownership of the Kursaal so we can completely transform it into a beautiful bustling hub for public services, such as children’s centres and GP practices.

“The council is a deliverer of public services and an enabler of businesses, not a competitor to business.

“However, I strongly believe a deal can be done, and I and the council will do whatever it takes to get the Kursaal back into public ownership and ensure its thriving once again.”