MORE than 60 new jobs would be created by plans to convert a derelict office block in Southend into a care home, bosses have said.

Developer Runwood Homes put forward a plan for a 70-bed care home at Victoria House, Victoria Avenue, opposite the Civic Centre, which has been empty since social services offices were moved out .

It was rejected by Southend Council’s development control committee, but Runwood has now resubmitted the application with ten fewer beds.

Under the new plans there will be a cafe and shop on the ground floor, with the care home on the first to fourth floors.

Floors five and six will be taken up by offices and the company proposes to add two extra floors with terraces at the front and rear, which would become two new apartments, with views across the town.

Spokesman for the company, Roger Sinden, said: “We estimate there will be about 66 new jobs created.

“We will be retaining office jobs as well as providing a variety of new jobs in the care home itself.”

The scheme was backed by Martin Terry, leader of the Independent group on Southend Council, who said he was fully supportive of the plan.

He said: “There is an opportunity to bring new jobs to the area, which is run down at the moment, and provide a worthwhile facility for the elderly.

“In Baxter Avenue nearby, there are similar uses so I think it will fit in well.

“Not all elderly people want to be tucked away in some area away from the town centre.

“Some of them enjoy seeing what is going on, and if they are more able, it is not far away from the shops and the High Street.”