The designer planning to give Maldon High Street a central attraction wants to gather public support for his plans.

Tony Claydon, a chartered designer, of Beeleigh Road, Maldon, proposes to build a two-storey glass building in St Peter’s Churchyard, attached to the Maeldune Heritage Centre and the Plume Library.

Mr Claydon said: “I’ve walked past it so many times and thought something needs to be done about the red brick, it looks dreadful.”

Mr Claydon’s plan for the two-storey glass building includes: a lift in the glass foyer of the Plume Library building; a new staircase and entrance to the Plume Library; a tourist information facility in the foyer; an alternative entrance to the Maeldune Heritage Trust; and new loos, kitchen facilities and fire escapes on both floors.