A SEAFRONT kiosk created in the 1950s could be turned into a cafe under new plans.

A planning application has been lodged with Southend Council to transform the Wish You Were Here kiosk, in Eastern Esplanade, Southend.

Richard Gladwin, who runs the kiosk, wants to put in an extension at the back and reinforce the roof after vandals broke in numerous times.

He will replace its timber frame, install new windows and put decking down with a roof over it to offer hot food, drinks, and sweets.

Mr Gladwin, who also operates the adjacent Arnold Palmer Putting Course, said: “It’s a 1950s building and we want to bring it up to 2014 standards.

“This is all part of trying to make this side of Southend look more attractive.

“We’ve got the Premier Inn hotel coming in soon across the road and we want to make the area look a bit smarter.

“We’re looking to put in a new roof as we’ve been broken in a couple of times by vandals in the past couple of years so this is an extra security measure too.”

If planning permission is given, the building will be the latest in a chain of seafront units that have extended out to become cafes, with the Pebbles Two restaurant in Marine Parade a recent example.

Themove will also see an extra three people employed there.

Planning agent Roy Hunt said: “The owners have had some problems with vandals breaking in through the roof and instead of knocking it down we thought it would be sensible to build around the existing structure and extend it.”

He added that solar panels are likely to be installed on the new roof, too.

Southend Council owns the building, but leases it to Mr Gladwin.

Lawrence Davies, Ukip councillor for the Kursaal ward, said: “I am very supportive of small businesses in Southend and the news of a business on the seafront expanding can only be good. Hopefully it will create more opportunities.”