LUXURY apartments with stunning views of the estuary will go on sale after a former office block in Southend was sold to a developer for £3million.

Weston Homes bought the 12- storey Essex House, on the corner of Southchurch Avenue and Southchurch Road, and plans to turn it into 71 luxury one and two-bedroom apartments.

The block has been empty for a year since banking group Lloyds moved to Birmingham, resulting in the loss of 800 jobs from the town.

Estate agent Dedman Gray had been marketing the property for local and national firms for a year, but after switching to the residential market it was sold within a month.

Mike Gray, of Dedman Gray, said: “There was a frenzy of bids from developers and investors, which led to the sale reaching half a million pounds more than the listed rate.

“It was most encouraging to see a developer recognise the potential for larger developments in the Southend area.

“It is also positive to see companies willing to invest over three million pounds, without developing costs, in the town.”

The building boasts almost 51,000 sq ft of floor space, two lifts, parking for up to 130 cars and views across the town and estuary.

Weston Homes were chosen as the preferred purchaser due to their ability to exchange contracts and complete the sale within a matter of weeks.

Bob Weston, managing director of the developer, said: “I am delighted we have recently exchanged contracts on Essex House. Many of the apartments will have fantastic views across the Thames Estuary as well as underground parking.”

Subject to planning approval, work to create the apartments could get under way in the spring. Derek Kenyon, an independent Southchurch ward councillor, said: “It is good news, to get rid of an empty building that would only rot and start to decay, and become a blight on the area.”