ONE of the men behind the new boutique hotel overlooking Southend seafront is thrilled to be opening it in his home town.

Businessman Sidiq Chikte, who is developing the hotel, confirmed that it should be open by November, well in time for Christmas bookings.

He also believes there is limitless potential for the hotel based in Clifton Terrace.

Mr Chikte said: “The hotel is coming along very nicely.

“We’re looking at having a launch party in November and we have already been taking Christmas bookings.

“We’re very excited about the launch as we’ve been working very hard with the contractors to get it done.

“We’re very happy with the product and the team so far.

“We are still recruiting and currently looking for a restaurant and hotel manager, but so far it has gone well.

“We have also hired a London-based PR agency who are working with us to make sure the launch is a big success.

“We have one of the best architects working on the hotel which is very exciting as he’s designed some major London-based buildings.

“We’re also currently working on menus, especially the Christmas menus as we are well ahead for Christmas bookings.”

Mr Chikte also went on to say why Southend was the ideal location for the hotel and why he was excited to be based in the area where he heralds from.

He added: “We’re actually based locally so it means a lot for ourselves to be able to invest in the town.

“With the airport growing and with so many routes into Southend, it makes a lot of sense to base it here.

“We just want to make the local community happy and we’re very excited that we’re doing it in our town.”

Developers said last year that no expense would be spared reviving the building as the town’s premier luxury hotel, with 37 luxury rooms, a new façade, a bar conservatory, and even a spa in the pipeline.

Last April, Southend Council gave the go-ahead for the Raymond House care home, in Clifton Terrace, to undergo a £2.5million makeover.

The modernist building operated as a care home from 1970 until its closure in November 2015, when it was judged to be inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.

Council planning officers last year recommended the development for approval as the exterior refurbishment will improve the appearance of the surrounding area.

The building, which was constructed in 1970, is based loosely on the design of the Georgian terrace it was built on, but its current design and materials were considered by officers to be detrimental to the character of the area.

The area is predominantly made up of Georgian and mid-Victorian buildings.