A £10 million seafront hotel expansion to add extra rooms and a spa will create a “unique and spectacular venue suitable for a city”, bosses have insisted.

The owners of the Roslin Beach Hotel in Thorpe Bay say they have full faith in the town and business despite the Covid pandemic hitting the industry hard.

Southend Council is due to agree the plans in a matter of weeks as officers recommend the proposals are approved.

Plans include part demolition of the hotel and three storey extensions with 60 more parking spaces and five new plush rooms.

Jacqui Dallimore, 58, managing director of the hotel, said with a pending city status this is “just what the borough and seafront needs”.

She said: “It will be amazing for the business but also the whole town too. We are the flagship hotel and this will make it unique and spectacular.

“It’s a huge investment, more than £10million, and we’ve seen businesses promise investment but we will do it. We’ve taken it from strength to strength and this will be the final part of the business growth.

“It will have a spa and so much more. It’s not easy to invest like this in the pandemic but I am confident in the business and that trade will be back.

“It’s good for the tourism and town and with the new status we need something like this.”

Stars and celebrities regularly visit the business, with actress Denise Van Outen and reality star Lydia Bright among recent guests.

Councillors are confident it will be a success and praised the business for investing despite ongoing difficulties.

Martin Terry, councillor for Thorpe, said he wants to see it continue to succeed following the impact of the pandemic.

The councillor for public protection added: “It’s important it does work to make back the loss it’s suffered like any other business in the sector too.

“It’s a successful story and business in the borough. One challenge is it’s near homes and there needs to be a balance between residents needs and that of the business too.

“I welcome the work and contribution it makes in the borough and it offers visitors so much more than just a hotel.

“It hosts events and is a big draw for visitors too.”

Southend Council is due to consider the plans for the site on January 12.