A HUGE office block off Southend’s High Street could be transformed into 34 flats under fresh plans submitted to Southend Council.

Central House, on Clifftown Road, was originally used as a mix of retail, office, and residential spaces in the city centre.

Previously, plans were approved to turn the top three floors of the old office block into 27 flats however no work has taken place.

Now, fresh plans have been submitted by LR Southend LTD to turn the bottom floor into seven flats on top of the work taking place to create flats above.

The bottom floor has previously been home to Bargain Buys and a Job Centre.

Aras Ali, a prominent Southend businessman who owns several barber stores along the High Street, believes the loss of commercial space is “a negative” for the High Street.

He said: “We really prefer commercial, we don’t have much commercial space left in the High Street and while we do need residential, more homes and houses and flats, there are more opportunities for it.

“There are so many empty upstairs spaces in the High Street and it is like nothing is being done with them, there are so many empty spaces that are sitting around and not getting used.

“I would definitely keep it commercial, there is another building near Cut U Up in Cliffton Road that also has planning for flats and accommodation.

“Clifftown Road is not too busy, it could be an Airbnb, which always work well in Southend as people are struggling for where to stay in the summer.

“On the whole, it is negative.”

Planning approval for the 27 flats was granted in August 2021, signalling a major change in plan for the building but it seems that progress to transform the block has not begun.

Further plans have been submitted that would see the site have windows replaced, fire escape doors installed and roof alterations.