A BLOCK of 18 luxury flats will breathe new life into Southend’s High Street, experts believe.

This Echo reported last month how concern surrounded 13 empty shops on the High Street, but professionals image shows how the new flats will look opposite the entrance of the Royals shopping centre and next to Tomassi’s restaurant, are a step in the right direction.

And estate agents are now positive that this plush investment will boost the High Street and help its regeneration.

The new flats, which have been compared to those in trendy Shoreditch, are located opposite the entrance of the Royals shopping centre and next to Tomassi’s restaurant, are a step in the right direction.

They boast nine one and two bed apartments on the floors above the ground floor - and nine newly built flats at the back.

They were priced from £160,000.

Mike Gray, managing director of Dedman Gray, said: “Since the growth of the university and college campus building there has been a demand for student rental accommodation across the area.

“But what I believe the town centre also needs is a number of developments that are going to attract owner occupants and first time buyers getting on the property ladder.

“We have seen in other towns and larger cities in the UK where increasing the number of residential units and investment in and around the town centre creates a much better mix between retail visitors during the day and general activity out of shopping hours.”

Mr Gray believes the development will also provide a shot in the arm for the night-time economy too, with more people living on the High Street.

He added: “The importance of people buying property in the area also gives a sense of pride and ownership which can only be good news for the High Street and town centre.

“This has been demonstrated by the incredible response to the Drapery Apartments with 17 out of 18 apartments selling before the development even finished.

“It is a real success, leaving just one penthouse available with the wonderful benefit of three balconies and terrace space.

“The development has provided an upstate, trendy feel to the whole thing - it is similar to projects in places like Shoreditch, with the high spec and trendy apartments giving the same appearance as those developments. “

The new apartments are named the Drapery, after the much loved shop that was previously there - Brightwells, famous for selling curtains and linens.

Ann Holland, deputy leader of Southend Council, said the flats were very good news for the borough. She said: “Being in the town centre is good, we need to encourage more developments like it.

“It is ideal for people that don’t drive as it is a close walk to the station and links people to the seafront so they get the best of both worlds.

“We do have a housing shortage and the location of this development will make it family orientated with a good atmosphere.”

Alison Dewey, manager of the town centre’s Business Improvement District, added: “It’s encouraging to see developments like this. “Inward investment and new residents can only be good news.

“With seven miles of sandy beaches and a strong retail offering, Southend continues to appeal to residents and visitors alike.”