THE leaseholder of Southend’s landmark Kursaal is demanding millions of pounds to give up control of the building, senior councillors say.

The Grade II listed landmark, on Southend seafront, currently stands almost totally empty aside from a Tesco Express on the ground floor fronting Southchurch Avenue.

Residents have lamented the decline of the building - which is actually owned by Southend Council - and fear it could fall into serious disrepair.

London-based property group AEW has a 200-year lease on the 120-year-old building - and according to council leader Tony Cox the group are demanding “eye-watering” amounts to relinquish control.

Residents and councillors have repeatedly called for the council to take back control of the building and bring it back into use, but Mr Cox fears AEW is “very reluctant to sell”.

He said: “It is the desire of all councillors to see the Kursaal back in the council’s hands and to get it back into operation.

“I think the issue still lies at the moment with the eye-watering amounts wanted and the fact they are still very reluctant to sell.

“But this doesn’t mean we stop trying and doesn’t mean we won’t look at any interested parties to see what can be done.”

In its heyday, the Kursaal was dubbed the “greatest amusement centre in the south” thanks to its huge selection of rides, including rollercoasters and waltzers. In 1916, a zoo, which was home to bears, tigers and wolves, even opened at the fouracre site, but this closed when the Second World War broke out.

Despite numerous ideas touted to bring the building back to life, it has started to become an eyesore with smashed windows becoming a regular sight.

Community group Concrete Culture had planned to bring it back into use in recent years, however ambitious plans have failed to get off the ground.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor for Kursaal ward, claimed AEW is “demanding millions” to surrender the lease, with negotiations dating back to when Labour ran the council.

He added: “I am in the dark as everyone else now really.

“When Labour left administration negotiations was ongoing. But tThey were asking for a substantial amount of money.

“It is incredibly frustrating, but the difficulties go back to when the lease was originally agreed as that position itself is far for ideal. It has now sat empty for year, which denies visitors and residents alike which is an important part of the city’s heritage.”