BUILDING work on a deluxe £125million seafront flats complex on the old Esplanade pub will be finished next year - and early birds can even reserve properties now.

Beyond the Box Developments demolished the derelict pub and neighbouring Marriott’s Fish and Chip Shop last year as part of ambitious plans for 51 flats and two restaurants in Western Esplanade, Southend.

As with other developments, the coronavirus crisis saw work halted on the site during a nationwide lockdown, but the developer insists it remains on track.

James Struth, from Beyond the Box Developments, said: “Construction continues and is still on programme.

“We should finish building in about October/November 2021.

“We have delayed selling the flats until Easter 2021 to let things settle down a bit, but we would talk directly to serious buyers if they want to make contact with us.”

A “very high-end restaurant” is expected to be part of the scheme though the name has yet to be revealed.

Residents were not sorry to see the back of the fire-wrecked pub which had become a target for vandals and arsonists before finally being demolished in May last year.

The last blaze, in the once popular music venue, destroyed the building, leaving it in a dangerous condition.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of Southend Council, said: “It shows what can be achieved and what a lovely position to live in.

“Southend is a lovely place to live.

“We have Queensway, Seaway, Roots Hall, Fossetts as well as Marine Plaza and the Esplanade all coming up. All of this is an opportunity for people to have somewhere decent to live.

“The town will be transformed in ten years’ time and I hope I will see it all come to fruition.

“Thanks to our administration and previous administrations all these plans will come together to create a great place to live.”