A MULTI-STOREY car park could be built in Victoria Avenue.

The old library car park, sandwiched between Southend museum and the former Central Library, only has a few years left in its lifespan, according to council leader Ron Woodley.

He has outlined his vision for the site, saying he would like the area rebuilt into a multi-storey car park and the car park behind Southend Council’s Civic Centre turned into council houses.

But opposition councillors instead called for a review of all town centre parking to see where the greatest need is and warned a new car park in Victoria Avenue will not benefit seafront traders.

Mr Woodley, Independent councillor for Thorpe, said: “The current car park needs to be demolished in the next couple of years.

“And when we do that, we could build a much better multi-storey car park there, and that would free us up to develop the car park at the back of the Civic Centre for affordable homes.

“I am reducing the council’s debt and that gives us some leg room to invest money on projects that will eventually give us a return.”

If it comes to fruition, it will continue a renaissance in Victoria Avenue, with notorious eyesores Heath House and Carby House being redeveloped as luxury apartments as well as nearby disused offices Victoria House and The Pinnacle turned into flats.

Plans to demolish the former South Essex College buildings in Carnavon Road – and turn them into new homes – are also moving forward.

But it is unlikely to appease seafront traders, who claim there is a lack of parking on the seafront, a problem that will get worsewith the huge Marine Plaza complex being built on an existing car park in Marine Parade.

Opposition Tory leader John Lamb said: “A new multi-storey will be helpful with all the development happening on Victoria Avenue.

“But the council needs to do a whole review of car parking in the town to see where the greatest need is. It won’t assist seafront traders but it could assist the High Street shops.”