THE site of a former cinema has been put up for sale for £2.5million.

The land in Alexandra Street, Southend, was once home to the Empire Cinema, which was demolished last May.

Plans for 24 new homes and a range of shops at the site has been recommended for approval by Southend Council officers and will be decided at a meeting next Wednesday.

The site has now been listed on property website, Rightmove, as for sale

Developer Sky Eagle Properties Limited originally applied for planning permission in August 2017, but these plans were scrapped before being resubmitted in March 2018.

The Echo understands that the developer is selling the land with planning permission if it is granted at the meeting.

Councillors said they just want to see something done with the site as it’s become an eyesore.

Julian Ware-Lane, Labour councillor for Milton, said he doesn’t like derelict sites, but any development must be good quality.

He said: “I would be delighted to see homes with good amenities, parking and viable businesses at the site.

“I think that it doesn’t matter which developer constructs the homes and shops, as long as it is appropriate.

“The price of the site as listed on Rightmove doesn’t seem too high for a site that is so near the central Southend.”

Jonathan Garston, Tory councillor for the area, said: “It has a lot of sentimental and historic significance to the area.

“I want to see good development there that is in keeping with the area.

“It is such an important area.”

Cheryl Nevin, Labour councillor for Milton, said the building has fallen into disrepair.

She said: “It has become a bit of an issue in the area and was an eyesore, which I think is a great shame due to the historical and sentimental significance.

“I haven’t seen these plans myself but we must make sure there is enough parking and waste storage for new homes that are built.”

Built in 1896, the building had become rundown and in 2015, its roof collapsed, destroying part of the first floor.

It was used by the New Empire Theatre Company in 2008, but the company left after a rent dispute.

In 2013 it was revealed it would cost more than £2m to revamp the cinema.