A BRAND new block of flats has been completed in old Southend offices - and will be unveiled to potential new residents this weekend.

Three years after plans were initially submitted, Baryta House, in Victoria Avenue, is now completed and residents are being invited to take a first look at the new flats. Photos show luxury penthouses with views across Southend, as well as spacious one and two bed flats.

Yesterday, the Echo reported house prices in Southend rose faster than anywhere else in the UK this century - and these flats could provide a welcome boost to residents struggling with high house prices, with monthly rental costs starting at £575.

Set across 11 floors, the former office block has been transformed into 113 modern apartments - unusually all made available to rent.

Mark Flewitt, previously councillor responsible for housing, welcomed the prices as a “glimmer of hope” in Southend’s current housing market.

He said: “It is great news that firstly all of the flats are available for rent, and secondly that the prices are starting that low.

“These prices are far closer to what the public would class as “affordable” and I don’t think those prices are out of reach of anyone, not just working professionals.

“Hopefully this starts a trend, and we see a change in the housing market in Southend. I don’t expect these to hang around for long, and maybe developers will see affordable flats fly off the market and follow suit.

“This is seriously good news and we need to look at more like this.”

Victoria Avenue has proved the focal point for a major development increase across Southend.

Yesterday, the Echo revealed that plans have been submitted to Southend Council to build 228 flats in the Portcullis car park, in between Alexander House and Baryta House.

In March this year, a £300 million development to build 1,300 new homes in Queensway, with 441 of those being affordable homes, was proposed.

Before the announcement of the Queensway development was made, £30million was splashed out to redevelop the “eyesore” office blocks, Heath House and Carby House.

Now named Beaumont Court and Richmond House, around 220 flats are being built in the development, ranging from £190,000 to £300,000.

Prior to the announcement of Beaumont Court and Richmond House came plans to build 158 new flats on the former South Essex College site in Carnarvon Road.

The development brought 158 new flats into the area.

Baryta House is hosting a launch weekend on Saturday and Sunday, and is offering two weeks free rent to residents who sign up over the weekend.

Call 01702 869811 or visit living@barytahouse.co.uk.