CONCERNS have been raised about the future of a Southend landmark after the council’s ambitious bid to buy it failed.

In July, the Echo revealed the Independent, Lib Dem and Labour administration had instructed officers to look into buying the Grade II listed Royal Hotel, in Southend High Street, after bailiffs were called into the beleaguered building.

The hotel is widely regarded as one of Southend’s most prized buildings, having been built in 1791.

However, the building has been on the market as a freehold, rather than the option to buy it outright – which led to the authority pulling the plug.

Independent Ron Woodley, leader of the council, said: “It’s very disappointing as it is a building we want to see refurbished, but I couldn’t commit the council into a leaseholding arrangement.

“It was a good opportunity to help with the regeneration of the area – I hoped it could have become a boutique hotel – and it would have been a good asset to have under council control.

“But unfortunately the lease was too complex and we couldn’t have committed money towards it if it was just a leasehold deal.”

Southend-based property agents Ayers and Cruiks have been instructed to look after the building, and confirmed it has not yet been sold. It is on the market for £45,000 per annum as a lease arrangement.

Opposition Tories labelled the council’s decision to look into buying it as “knee jerk reaction”, but admitted they want to see the building developed.

Mark Flewitt, Conservative councillor for St Laurence ward, said: “It would be great to see it restored with a bit of dignity as it is a wonderful building.

“It was a knee-jerk reaction from the council, and I would have liked the money to be spent on other projects, such as a new bus route to test for a year.

“It was pouring good money after bad with all the legalities behind it, and I would like money to be spent on constructive purposes – not just buildings.”

It has been used as a bar, restaurant and nightclub in recent years – but not as a hotel for years.