A VACANT seafront unit will be transformed into a cafe and cultural events venue.

Southend Council’s planning officers granted consent on March 17 to transform the currently vacant unit into a café and cultural events venue.

The unit was built as part of the Pier Hill lift project, but unfortunately was never occupied.

The Council has budgeted £200k to deliver the building. It is then anticipated that it will become self-sufficient, with activities at the venue incorporated in the Focal Point Gallery’s and Council’s cultural programme.

The plans will provide for gallery space with a café, patio, kitchen and seating.

A performance area will also be part of the offer and a variety of shows and exhibitions will be a feature of the gallery. This will be provided by different groups and organisations curated through Focal Point Gallery. The ‘shop front’ will be open and welcoming, attracting visitors to look inside and explore. A small kitchen will allow small scale catering.

Ann Holland, Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism and The Economy, said: “I’m delighted that the planning officers have approved these plans, which will allow us to develop this exciting new cultural venue.

“These works complement plans to revamp the pier entrance, demonstrating our ongoing investment to tourism and giving one of Southend-on-Sea’s most iconic areas a welcome enhancement to the visitor experience.”

Work could begin on the refurbishment in the coming weeks and open during the summer season.