Delighted residents were impressed with plans for the Esplanade pub development as they got their first glimpse of the cutting-edge designs at a public consultation.

The development, situated in Western Esplanade, is just a mile from the town centre, and although the former pub was badly damaged by four fires in quick succession in the summer, plans are now well advanced to turn it into luxury flats, with a cafe and a restaurant serving top-quality food.

The initial plans submitted by a previous developer have now been significantly updated by Essex-based developers Beyond the Box who have also bought the two neighbouring properties, the former Marriotts fish and chip shop and the West Pier cafe, as revealed in the Echo.

James Struth, director of Beyond the Box Developments, said: “The cafe already has planning permission so we are hoping to open it with show flats upstairs.

“Once the Esplanade flats are complete the building will also have a cafe. We will then have two cafes and one restaurant on site. We are hoping to get something high-end in the restaurant, but it’s not been filled as of yet.”

Halstead Gazette:

Esplanade plans

After viewing the plans, Laurence Leone, 33 from Southend, said: “I really like the new design. It’s modern looking with an Art Deco twist. It’s open plan at the front, which will be great for sunlight, it’s very modern looking and it’s shaped almost like a wave. You will get a great reflection of the sea. It’s about time the council pulled their fingers out and put some good planning applications through.”

Local architect, Lindsey Wislocki, from Hedgehog Developments, was very impressed with the new plans too. She said: “I love it. Personally, I think using the fish and chip shop to extend the site is a great idea and I’m a fan of the new shape and design of the building.”

Alex Rowe, 72, from Southend, added: “I think anything will be an improvement on what’s already there, but I have a few concerns. There is talk of more trees surrounding the building but the existing trees are already spoiling our view of the estuary. I don’t think they’re necessary. The other issue I had was the height of the new building but I have since been told that it won’t be any taller than the pub.”

Subject to the feedback they received yesterday and how long it takes for the planning application to be processed, Mr Struth is hoping work will begin on the flats before next summer.