A £10million expansion of a seafront hotel will begin next year, creating additional rooms and parking at the popular business.

Plans were agreed last year for the Roslin Beach Hotel, on Thorpe Esplanade, to undergo a major revamp creating five plush new rooms and more than 60 extra car parking space.

According to documents for a Southend Tourism Partnership board meeting, the work will begin in 2024. However, the document added that hotel bookings have taken a dip and there is half the number of usual visitors.


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The business has attracted the likes of Tyson Fury and Denise Van Outen in recent years, among many other famous faces.

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem councillor for tourism, said: “It’s a premier hotel and it is prestigious and very well used.

“It has welcomed some very prestigious guests and the plans are set to enhance the hotel. The sooner it’s done, the sooner it benefits the hotel offering and the economy.

“It’s on the perfect setting and is beautiful. The hotel is of great benefit to Southend and it also supports the hotel offering and industry in the city.

“I welcome it and voted in favour of the plans. It will allow the hotel to continue to provide excellent service.

“Seeing businesses progress and wanting to invest in Southend is absolutely brilliant.”

Plans include demolition of part of the business and a three-storey extension. Bosses have previously said it would create a “unique and spectacular venue suitable for a city”.

Martin Terry, Independent deputy leader of Southend Council, said “I believe there’s been some activity at the hotel with builders on site.

“It is a successful business and I welcome what it has achieved. It has a good reputation and is very important to our economy. I welcome the expansion and hope it continues to focus on parking concerns and continues to look after the residents.”

Plans for the expansion were given the go ahead last January.

The Tourism Board Partnership documents state: “Planning permission has been granted for the hotel, works due to take place in 2024. Bills have quadrupled which is concerning for smaller businesses.”

The Roslin Beach Hotel was contacted for comment.