A £200,000 council-run café is set to re-open for pop-up events throughout the summer.

Southend Council and the Focal Point Gallery opened Twenty One in 2017 as a cultural centre in a bid to showcase local artists’ work.

The seafront café, opposite Southend Pier, formed part of multi-million plans to revamp the pier entrance area.

But last year Southend Council confirmed the venue had closed after the café operator pulled out.

However, now it is set to be made available to anyone who would like to put on a pop-up arts event.

Hayley Dixon, Interim Director of the Focal Point Gallery, said: “We’ve booked all kinds of arts and cultural hires. Everything from music gigs, tap dancing, poetry and spoken word events.

“We’re up for anything people want to do with a cultural space that’s vibrant, alive and representative of a diverse community.”

A café and bar will be open during events.

Scott Dolling, director of culture, tourism and property, said: “We are pleased that Twenty One will be available for events throughout the summer following a successful opening over the recent Bank Holiday weekend.

“The venue can be booked for pop-up events which celebrate the town’s vibrant arts cultural scene, continuing the diverse programme since opening in 2017, and we are pleased that we are already receiving bookings for the summer period.”

Mr Dolling added: “We continue to work on the long term offer in the hope to provide a unique space to showcase the breadth of talent across Southend and beyond.

“I urge anyone interested to get in touch to see if Twenty One could facilitate your summer cultural event. Interested parties should enquire by contacting twentyonesouthend@gmail.com.”

The eye-catching building next to the Pier Hill lift had been empty for 13 years after being beset by problems since it was built in 2004. This weekend there is an exibition of Catherine Hyland photos.