Plans are being drawn up for a hotel on an iconic seafront site, a senior councillor has revealed.

Southend Council says it's aware of the proposals for the Kursaal on the seafront and says there is interest in the market for a hotel on the site.

It comes after The Concrete Culture, an ambitious group of artists and musicians group, is in the process of drawing up a range of ideas for the seafront building - including art exhibitions, a food court and market, as well as a stage for performances.

Southend's Kursaal is being eyed up for event organisers for cultural activities, under short terms plans also.

Kevin Robinson said: "In the longer term the fund manager has had an indicative scheme prepared which could see the delivery of a hotel which would provide a sustainable long term use for the building subject to planning, listed building consent and landlord's consent.

"We understand there is interest in the market for this proposed use. There is also potential for the hotel use to form part of a wider mixed used scheme. At this stage there is no assurance that either the long term or short term plans will come to fruition."