THE iconic Kursaal on Southend’s seafront has potential to become a budget hotel, a leading businessman has suggested.

Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island, spoke as the Rendezvous Casino - one of the last tenants of the landmark - announced it was closing for good.

The casino’s parent company said the move was down to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Miller, whose business portfolio also includes restaurants and the Sea Life Adventure, suggested the demise of the casino at the Kursaal was partly down to the threat of the £50m Seaway cinema and leisure scheme.

For the future, a budget hotel may be a way forward, he believes.

He said: “It’s a shame the Kursaal has been hit again, first it was the function room then the bowling alley closed and dismantled due to the threat of the Seaway development and now the casino.

“Regarding the future of the building, well that’s a real conundrum. It’s easy to make suggestions if it is someone else’s money. Something that might have legs maybe, just maybe, [would] a budget hotel chain might have interest? It has location and parking.”

Paul Thompson, 46, owner of Pebbles One Cafe on the seafront, agreed.

Echo: Paul Thompson, chairman of Southend Seafront Traders' Association, in front of the site

He said: “I quite like the sound of a hotel, I think it’s a good idea as it’s right on the seafront and an iconic building so wouldn’t need much altering to the structure.

“I think there would be enough trade for a hotel and it would encourage people to stay in the town longer.”

Martin Richardson, 54, owner of Happidrome Arcade, on Southend’s seafront said it was difficult to know what would work there after the impact of Covid-19.

Echo:

He said: “I like the fact that it was going to be a museum but the trouble is most museums are free entry. We have a few hotels and good bed and breakfasts, so it wouldn’t be the best thing.”