TWENTY new two-bedroom flats could be developed in Wickford if plans to convert and extend an office block is approved.

David Holman & Company, which owns the Broad Way House in The Broadway, Wickford, has revealed plans to add two new floors of flats to the 1960s offices before converting the first two storeys into apartments as well.

Shops on the ground floor would not be affected and would get new frontage.

A planning statement with the application said there was low demand for offices and it could be a development to kick-start further regeneration in the town as part of the council’s £100million masterplan for Wickford.

Echo:

Back in the day: The offices are no longer fully used

It said the second floor had been vacant for a year despite estate agent Glenny advertising and the first floor just had a short-term tenant.

It added: “The feedback from the pre-application consultation (with Basildon Council) was overwhelmingly positive.

“The proposals intend to refresh a tired building with a contemporary facade and provide much-needed residential accommodation, while acting as a marker for development in the station gateway. Its position on a key corner provides the opportunity to act as a catalyst for wider development.”