Southend-on-Sea City Council has approved plans for a major extension to the Premier Inn hotel on Eastern Esplanade, bringing more jobs, investment and visitor accommodation to the city.
The plans will add 49 new hotel rooms to the existing building, taking the total to 130. The hotel's restaurant will also be refurbished and reopened as a dedicated space for guests, helping to improve the visitor experience.
Councillor Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: "It's a massive vote of confidence in the seafront, that the Premier Inn is looking to expand.
"It shows that business is booming in Southend, and that our traditional tourism sector is doing better than ever. I look forward to seeing this and other local hotels continuing to go from strength to strength."
The development supports the Council's priority to create a city with a good quality of life for all. It will bring new jobs, improve infrastructure, and support Southend's ambition to grow as a hotel and conference destination. The hotel will include accessible rooms and cycle parking, helping more people enjoy Southend's seafront.
The plans include:
- The hotel site will be made greener and better for nature, with more plants and landscaping to support wildlife.
- Rainwater will be managed more safely, and the building will use less energy thanks to eco-friendly design.
- The hotel will be easier to access, with parking for disabled guests and safe places to park bikes.
Councillor Anne Jones, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, added: "This is a well-considered application that supports our wider goals for regeneration, tourism and inclusive growth.
"The Planning Committee looked carefully at the details, including feedback from residents, and I'm pleased to see conditions in place to protect local amenity and ensure the development is well-managed."
The Council's Planning Committee approved the application (15 October 2025, item 5) after detailed review of local feedback, environmental impact and planning policy. Conditions have been put in place to protect nearby residents and ensure the development is safe, sustainable and well-managed.
This investment shows confidence in Southend's future and supports our work to build a strong, resilient city where people live well, age well and care well.