Multi-million pound plans have been unveiled to demolish part of Clacton's Royal Hotel and redevelop the seafront site.

Owner Rovestar Estates wants to knock down part of the building in Marine Parade East, replacing it with a mix of leisure, retail and residential. These include a 20-bedroom hotel, seven retail units, two bars and 60 apartments.

The Royal, built more than 130 years ago, was once the resort's premier hotel. It has been empty for about three years. It was last used to house asylum seekers and the homeless, and has fallen into a poor state of repair.

Mick Page, Tendring Council's regeneration portfolio holder, said: "I am in favour of anything that will bring such a prominent site on Clacton's seafront back into use. It is a complete eyesore as it stands now and this will provide a use which will benefit the town."

Pierre Oxley, chairman of Clacton Chamber of Trade, was impressed with the new proposal, which has been submitted to Tendring Council and will go before a planning meeting at a later date.

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette