THE transformation of a derelict office block into a new upmarket hotel could kickstart the regeneration of Victoria Avenue in Southend, a developer hopes.

Plans to turn Victoria House, which used to be the Department of Health and Social Security building, into an 84-bedroom hotel have been submitted to Southend Council.

Developer Runwood Homes, based in Benfleet, wants to create a “high quality” hotel over the existing seven floors with two extra floors containing four large apartments.

Runwood expects the hotel to create 35 new jobs – 15 full-time and 20 part-time – for local people.

The council has earmarked Victoria Avenue as prime space for a revamp and, with partners Renaissance Southend, wants to transform the row of empty Sixties office blocks into new homes, offices and shops.

A statement from architects Wincer Kievenaar says: “The site’s present use and in its present state, is a waste of developable land and is detrimental to the local area. The redevelopment of this site will not only resurrect the existing building, but act as a catalyst for redevelopment of the surrounding area.

“This development will provide a positive and attractive vision to the regeneration of the area.”

Runwood plans to use the existing building’s structure, but put in modern glazing. There will also be 44 parking spaces and 20 spaces for bicycles.

The council’s deputy Tory leader John Lamb welcomed the application, although said it would be up to the council’s development control committee to decide upon it.

He said: “The application looks exciting. It’s good to see there’s confidence to move in there, rather than leave it derelict. We are looking to enhance our hotels in the town and that will add tremendously to the Victoria Avenue area.

“It will be right by the town centre, which is good for businesses.

“We would love to see some new housing there and we are still looking at a developer for accommodation.”

Murray Foster, the vice-chairman of Renaissance Southend, agreed this could be a key step to encourage the regeneration of Victoria Avenue.

He said: “In the current economic climate, such an application, combining hotel and accommodation, shows how much Southend has moved forward. For this to be happening in Victoria Avenue is a key step to encourage other private sector investment.

“Subject to the design detail, this is something we would get wholeheartedly behind.”

Runwood has appealed two previous decisions to refuse applications to turn Victoria House into a care home.

Both developments involved extending the seven-storey building and the earlier one included offices, shops and a cafe.

The appeals are still to be decided by a Government planning inspector.

The council aims to deal with the hotel application by September 20.