Southend Venue Bar could become new pub and restaurant

If the fresh plans are given the green light, the former Venue Bar will become a pub and restaurant, with five flats going above the venue.

A similar scheme was withdrawn last year while owners London-based firm City Centre Management refined the plans following the advice of planning officers.

The site has a long history, operating as Elements nightclub from 2009 to 2015 which packed in up to 1,500 clubbers over three floors. Prior to that it was the Baker’s Bar.

The property has been vacant since 2020 when it ceased operating as The Venue Bar.

Daniel Nelson, councillor responsible for economic growth and investment, said: “I welcome any businesses over empty units. I don’t want to predetermine the planning application but I absolutely welcome this business looking to invest in Southend and open up a restaurant.

“We need more businesses. As we are a new administration the one message that is very clear to us is that people need to know that Southend is open for business.

“Examples of these businesses coming in to the city show it is open for business. It’s absolutely good news. I totally welcome it.

“The nightclub has been empty for a very long time and I’m excited to see it grow into something great again.”

Plans include changing the use of a basement area to accommodate a restaurant and a bar will be created on the ground floor.

The five flats are planned for the first, second and third floors at 13 - 17 Alexandra Street, Southend.

The venue is near to the former Empire Theatre site which is also due to accommodate plush new flats.

A first bid to turn the property into flats was refused in 2015.

Another application for the property was submitted in March 2016 to change the use of the ground floor to a retail space with the upper floors to become flats.

Permission was refused again due to concerns that noise from the commercial space would be disturbing to the flat occupiers.