A BUILDING which currently houses one of the oldest businesses in Southend is set to be taken over by a charity.

The owners of Havens department store in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, have signed a deal to let their Grade II listed building to Age Concern.

The large premises will not be a giant charity shop however, but a one stop shop for a wide range of services for the elderly.

Age Concern Southend, which currently provides befriending services, community transport and advice to older people, will develop this centre so older people will be able to gain access to these services.

A variety of other agencies will also operate from the building, offering support such as advocacy and bereavement services, and more specialised services such as for people living with dementia.

The centre will be a community hub housing health and wellbeing information and services that will help older people manage their health.

While some small changes will be made to the building subject to planning approval from Southend Council, it will remain largely unchanged.

Owners Nigel and Paul Havens expect to stay open over Christmas before closing at the end of January.

Lin Boulter, from Age Concern, said: “As well as offering services older people need, the centre will also be a place where they can go to enjoy themselves, meet people and have fun. The centre will house Club 50+ which offers tutor-led keep fit, dancing, tai chi and yoga classes with facilities for people to play table tennis, carpet bowls and snooker, whist and bridge.

“Along with these activities, we envisage the centre offering older people the opportunity to get their hair done, feet sorted and beauty treatments along with a large café offering a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and lunches at a modest cost.”

Havens first opened its doors in 1901 but has struggled to compete with internet shopping in recent years. Nigel Havens said: “The last ten years has seen a huge shift in the way the consumer takes in news, uses services like banking and indeed shopping where the internet provides many of the answers. Yes the consumer says they like to touch and feel things, but too many will then resort to buying online.

“Inevitably Havens customers have been inquisitive about the future of the much loved building and when told that a community project is on the cards, without exception they feel it is a great concept.”