NEW details on plans to covert one of Southend’s largest office blocks have emerged.

Comer Homes has already received prior approval from Southend Council to convert the HMRC building at Alexander House, Victoria Avenue, into flats.

The 16-storey building will be turned into 334 apartments, most of which will have space for one-bedroom.

The 17 two-bedroom flats being installed will be based on the ground, first and 15th floors respectively.

Each apartment will be “generously sized” and come with a bedroom/ bedrooms, living room, bathroom and kitchen.

The nearby three storey car park will be retained, as will the ground floor parking spaces.

In total, the development will come with 284 parking spaces, meaning not all residents will be offered a space with their flat.

Comer Homes says public transport links and the sites close proximity to central Southend means a lower provision of parking is “appropriate”.

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It also claims the redevelopment will lead to a drop in traffic in the area, with planning documents adding: “The estimated trip generation for the proposed development predicts a net decrease of 151 vehicle movements in the morning peak hour and 135 vehicles movements in the evening peak hour.

“Therefore, traffic generation resulting from the site will reduce, resulting in a positive impact on the surrounding highways.

“The Assessment concludes that: “It is clear as a consequence of development there will be a positive benefit on the highway network’.”

The conversion of Alexander House would be the latest in succession of plans to transform Victoria Avenue and the Queensway area.

Earlier this year, Southend Council and Swan Housing revealed their ambitious, ten-year plans, which will involve the demolition of the Quantock, Chiltern, Malvern and Pennine tower blocks and the residential maisonettes fronting Sutton Road.

They will be replaced with modern homes with shops, cafes, offices, a nursery, recording studios, a brewery and bakery.