Southend's "monstrous carbuncle" needs a £40million Las-Vegas style revamp or the town will never see a full resurgence, a Labour councillor has insisted.
A campaign should be launched to redevelop the landmark Palace Hotel into a luxurious hotel and casino, David Norman said.
He spoke as colleagues gave the green light to a bold £5million blueprint for Pier Hill including a new railway, arts areas and Continental cafes.
Mr Norman said: "We cannot in all honesty claim to have made real progress towards the full regeneration of Southend while the hotel remains in its present decrepit state.
"The Palace Hotel has suffered from nearly 50 years of dormancy and decay.
"It is an eyesore, entirely unsuited to its present use accommodating homeless families.
Mr Norman suggested the council looks to attract developers who would be prepared to pay up to £40million to overhaul the hotel.
He said a luxurious hotel complete with casino would bring a touch of class back to the seafront and draw in thousands of tourists.
Published Friday, May 16, 2003
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