MOTHBALLED office blocks which have been surrounded by scaffolding for four years could finally be turned into new city centre flats under fresh plans.

The former Prudential building, in Elmer Approach, has stood empty for 35 years despite numerous plans being given the green light to redevelop the site.

Fresh plans were submitted to Southend Council last week to change the use of the second to ninth floors of the building and create 102 self-contained flats.

“Elmer Developments Ltd” is behind the proposals after previously approved applications by other developers have stalled.

A series of applications, ranging from 112 flats to 140 flats - and one proposal including a hotel - have all been approved by Southend Council but no work, aside from scaffolding being set up, has ever been carried out.

Daniel Cowan, leader of the Southend Council, welcomed the plans to hopefully see the building back in use.

He said: “I think it is good news that new plans are coming forward and that we may actually see use of the building again.

“People are sick and tired of seeing scaffolding and having unused buildings.

“There is nothing worse than empty buildings too when we have so many people in the city wanting and needing homes.

“So, hopefully they have come forward with something that can get through planning, which we will have to wait and see for.

“But let’s hope there is finally now a more positive future on the horizon for this site.”

Work was set to begin for approved plans to transform the site into a new hotel, flats and shops before the pandemic hit.

Other previously approved plans include transforming it into 112 flats, 140 flats, and also 119 flats, over the last 15-years.

Plans by Redrock Developments, submitted in 2018, also proposed new studio flats could work as student accommodation for those studying at Essex University’s Southend campus.

Southend Council will make a decision on the application.