A DEVELOPER has declared it plans to return a decaying, one-hundred-year-old hotel "back to its former glory" by converting it into nine new flats.

A planning application has been submitted to Southend Council to renovate 1 - 3 Westcliff Avenue, formerly the Warwick Hotel.

Historians believe the building, which was left vacant when the Beecroft Gallery was relocated to Southend Central Library at the Forum in 2016, dates back to 1897 – 1922.

Mike Gray, managing director of Dedman Gray, the property firm which handled the sale of the building, is hopeful the plans will restore the historic building.

He said: “When the building was on the market we were hoping the eventual purchaser would not try and demolish it to make way for a modern block.

“I’m delighted to see the approach being made and I understand from the new owners their intention is to restore the building to a very high quality, with full regard to the appearance of the neighbouring properties.”

He added: “The enquiries from buyers seemed to prove it would not be viable for the building to continue to provide commercial or cultural activities.”

A previous attempt to bring the site back into use as 20 art studios failed. 

Southend Council had given its backing but financial concerns eventually saw the scheme axed.

Applicant, Property Point AK, claims a residential development is “the only sustainable use for the building”, adding it would “ensure the building is fully renovated, occupied and maintained for the future”.

The firm has submitted plans to deliver seven two-bedroom and two three-bedroom flats.

A Propery Point AK spokesman said: “We wish to restore the building back to its former glory.

"The existing building offers the potential to create unique, one-off apartments relating back to the buildings former use and benefitting from the properties original design, period features and materials.

“The intention is wherever possible to retain all existing features and materials.

"Where existing features have deteriorated the intention is to dismantle and repair before reinstating.

“Where existing features have been lost over the years the intention is to restore using traditional materials."

Southend Council will have the final say on the proposals. 

The plans must go before Southend Council before they are approved.