A FORMER library has hit the market for a whopping £2.6million and could be transformed into new homes.

Delaware House, in Shoebury, previously housed a library on the first floor and a blood test clinic on the ground floor, alongside a nursery.

However, it has remained empty for several years and Mike Gray, director of Dedman Gray, is expecting it to attract strong interest from developers.

Southend Council had previously considered building homes on the site, and it was once touted as a possible site for a new health centre for Shoebury residents.

Mr Gray said: “Instructions have been received from Southend City Council for a sale to take place of the entire vacant premises and site as it has been surplus to requirements in recent years.

“Many local residents will have fond memories of using the facilities for various reasons over the years.”

Mr Gray added: “The guide price for an outright purchase is £2.6million and we feel this opportunity maybe of interest to a wide range of investors and property companies.

“The site does offer excellent residential redevelopment opportunities subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents that would be required.

“It is planned to be on the market throughout July with offers being invited around the end of the month.”

Paul Collins, councillor responsible for finance, assets and investments, is confident selling the building will allow the council to invest in council homes elsewhere.

He said: “Releasing these land assets enables us to use money at other sites for social housing that we want to build.

“The reason for selling it is that this is the best return we can get from this project and enables us to use the money elsewhere for housebuilding. It would not be financially viable for the council to build on this site.”

Mr Collins added: “There are other projects we want to do and plots of land we want to build on and the money will be used for that reason. The money is absolutely ring-fenced for that purpose.”