SIXTEEN plush new apartments are nearing completion at the top of the landmark Palace Hotel in Southend, offering the best views in town.

With floor to ceiling windows in all apartments, the Palace Skyline development lives up to its name, offering stunning views of Southend Pier, the estuary and the rooftop panorama of Southend.

Work on the apartments began last year as part of the rebirth of the Palace Hotel, now part of the Park Inn hotel group.

Now, as the project nears completion, the first prospective buyers have been allowed to view the apartments which make up the unique development.

Mike Gray is managing director of property firm Dedman Gray, which is working as joint marketing agents with Savills on the development.

He said: “When we opened the sales suite at 10am on Saturday, there was an enthusiastic rush from many potential purchasers wanting to be the first to view these apartments.

“This development has a unique blend of superb views, not only of the Thames Estuary, but the entire town of Southend and beyond. The apartments form part of a landmark building, which has so much history.”

Spread over two floors, the apartments are arranged around a central roof garden area, and will range from two to three-bedroom homes, each with their own balcony or terrace.

Mr Gray said: “Many of the apartments will enjoy private roof terraces and have the benefit of being part of a residential development which has, in effect, got its own in-house restaurant and bar.”

Future residents at the Palace Skyline complex will also have their own private entrance – separate from the hotel – in Church Road, plus a lift to whisk them up to their lofty abodes.

Residents will have 16 parking spaces in the old loading bay area next to the hotel and there are talks going to supply extra parking within the Royals car park, although no firm agreement has been made.

So far, four of the 16 apartments have been released for sale, at prices ranging from £340,000 to £650,000, with the remaining units to be released for sale later this year. Mr Gray added: “So many people have been watching the overall progress of the hotel, and a lot of attention has been directed towards the apartments.

“Many of the inquiries are from people who have been waiting for as long as six years for the chance to look at the residential side of the scheme.”

Alex Leader, from Savills, said: “Every apartment has access to the roof garden. The big selling point is the views.”

James Lane, commercial and sales manager for Yianis, the company behind the redevelopment of the Palace, was very impressed with the open day turnout. He said: “This is the final stage in what has been a multi-million pound regeneration and investment in the Southend area.”

The sales suite at the Palace is open Friday to Sunday, between 10am and 3pm. Appointments can be made by calling 01702 311111 or 01245 269311.