THIS is the first image of how one of the most well-known shops in Westcliff will look when it is torn down and turned into flats next year.

Secondhand furniture shop, Les and Gary’s, in London Road, which has been trading since 1976, will close down and relocate next year.

The famous store will be demolished and replaced by a sleek new modern building – housing 18 flats including two penthouses – with space for a shop on the bottom floor.

Southend-based architects APS Design Associates have been commissioned to design the new building.

The firm’s director, Paul Seager, said: “We believe this project will continue the vein of regeneration along the London Road.

“There are a mixture of one and two bedroom units and the application has just been submitted.

“Les&Gary’s are continuing to occupy the building under agreement with the new owners for a year, this will give time for the project to obtain the necessary consents and prepare all tender documentation.”

The new development has 18 car parking spaces which will fit under the building at ground level.

The flats will be a mix of one and two bedroom properties.

Earlier this month, the Echo revealed the owners of Les and Gary’s were staying put in the shop’s original unit for a year after negotiations run aground to move a couple of doors down.

Owners Gary Bell, 58, and wife Sue, 54, handed over to daughter Madeleine, 26, and son Matt, 30, as well as Madeleine’s fiance Chris Storozynski, 30, earlier this month and they have had their lease extended for a year.

If planning permission is granted, it will continue the trend of developers targeting Southend for luxury flats.

APS are also carrying out a redesign of Victoria House on Victoria Avenue, Southend.