A prime seafront building looks set to finally be occupied after being empty for more than two years.

The site, at the bottom of Pier Hill, in Southend, was expected to be one of the town's most sought- after properties when Southend Council unveiled its new regeneration development, following an extensive refurbishment and installation of a new lift.

Instead, the council has been struggling to find a suitable trader to move in.

But now Welton Bremner Partnership, acting as an agent for the developers, has applied for planning permission to turn the ground floor into a restaurant and use the upper level as a kiosk.

Architect Mick Welton, of Welton Bremner Partnership, said: "It's a great location. Our client has done a lot of research on it. We hope the restaurant will prove very popular when it opens."

The company said it had not decided what type of restaurant it would be. At the moment, the unit is designated for retail use.

Various traders have had plans for it over the years.

Mark Marriott suggested using it for a fish and chip restaurant after his cafe was damaged in the pierhead fire on October 9, 2005.

Last year, another trader was in talks with the council over putting a restaurant and ice cream parlour there, but nothing happened.