WORK is set to start on build 144 new homes for over-60s in Southend after the demolition of a care home and convent dating back 147 years was completed.
Bulldozers started work at Nazareth House, in London Road, back in January and fresh pictures now show the site has been completely cleared.
Now, developer McCarthy Stone is set to begin working on constructing the new one and two-bedroom homes on the site aimed at over-60s in the city.
YouTuber and urban explorer Martin Halliday, from Shoebury, explores old and empty buildings and has been tracking the progress of the demolition at the site over the last year.
Back in October 2022, Mr Halliday even took a glimpse inside Nazareth House before works began.
He said: “Just under two years ago, an opportunity presented itself and I took it. I explored Nazareth House. The Nazareth House site was thick with history.
“Since then, I have returned a handful of times documenting the site throughout different stages of its demise and demolition.
“This site has always felt special to us, we kept to the code ‘take nothing but photos and videos, leave nothing but footprints’. Each visit was special, but it was also upsetting seeing the premises change and rush into a war torn-esque looking shell stripped of its artifacts and furniture’s, only to further decay and lose the battle to survive.
“Heavy plant vehicles would arrive on site and chunk at a time the historic building would be destroyed.”
Earlier this year, McCarthy and Stone confirmed that a cemetery on the grounds of Nazareth House will be “retained and protected”, but a historic chapel had to be demolished due to its “poor state of repair”.
Nazareth House was established in Southend in 1873 as a home for the elderly as well as for “sickly or incurable” children.
“It’s heartbreaking really,” Mr Halliday added.
“Now it is gone we can look back at our videos and remember our own good times there as well. We have captured the heart of the place and want to show everyone what was once hidden behind those tall impenetrable walls and giant gates.
"We feel an emptiness now that it’s gone, something that I am sure locals and dwellers will no doubt also feel.”
To watch the explores, visit, www.youtube.com/@DE-eVOLVED
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