Final plans for the restoration of a historic building in West Street, Rochford, have been submitted to the district council.

Southend District Building Preservation Trust (East) wants to convert the town centre properties, currently being restored, into a mixed development of homes and offices.

The properties are seen as a key part of the regeneration of Rochford's town centre, after having been left derelict for several years.

Rochford District Council took compulsory purchase powers to acquire them after efforts to get the elderly owner from Rayleigh to carry out needed works failed to gain a response.

The council agreed to hand them over to the trust and restoration work has taken several years to complete.

Published Wednesday August 11, 2004

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