THE revival of the legendary Kursaal has hit the buffers after council bosses opted not to include it in their levelling-up bid, with critics blaming a Southend MP for failing to endorse the plans.

The iconic structure, which opened as in 1901, has been empty for more than two years after the casino inside closed down.

Southend Council has opted not to apply for Government Levelling Up funding which could have secured cash to regenerate the iconic building.

The Levelling Up funding is helping inject money and life into major projects in the UK’s towns and cities.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor for Kursaal, described it as a "real missed opportunity" and has blamed Rochford and Southend East MP, James Duddridge, for failing to join the campaign to breathe life back into the building.

He said: “It could have been a jumping off point to start getting the lease back for the council.

“I do think it’s a bit of a missed opportunity and James Duddridge has not been supportive of it being included in the bid.

“I know he’s poured cold water on the ideas in the past.”

Tory MP Mr Duddridge has rubbished the claims, insisting he was supportive of getting the Kursaal back into use.

He added: “The Kursaal was not in the proposed Levelling Up Fund bid sent to me by Southend Council.

"I suspect it did not match the bid criteria and required more money than the council could bid for.”

Mr Duddridge had previously revealed concerns over the price of bringing the Kursaal back to life.

Councillors and residents argue the building could have multiple uses if it was reopened.

Mr Dent added: “I’d like to see it back in use for the community, residents and visitors.

“There is enough space for multiple uses I could see it as a music venue, the dance floor could be revamped.”

Thorpe Bay resident Colin Nickless, 47, of Plas Newydd, Thorpe Bay, added: “I think it’s a real shame and we need to see everything being done to get the building back open and back in use.

“I worry it could be left to ruin and a developer could come along and knock it down.

“I think it could be used for functions and private hire, pop up shops could even work well there.”