Leigh Broadway Empty Barclays Homes Plans Submitted for Approval
Plans have been submitted to convert the old Barclays bank and Boni-Vee shop into residential flats in Leigh Broadway
Leigh, Southend, Barclays, Boni-Vee, Flats, Housing
Leigh: This week, proposals were sent to Southend Council to turn the old Barclays bank on Broadway into three flats. Plus, the former Boni-Vee hardware shop on Leigh Road could be transformed into one flat.
Previously, plans to change the Barclays bank into a coffee shop with an Airbnb above were turned down. There were also attempts to make it seven flats, but those didn’t fly either.
Mehmed Hassan, who owns a few local spots like the Sand Bar and Leigh Food Shack, is behind these new proposals. He’s looking to breathe new life into the building.
As for the Boni-Vee, it moved to London Road last year, and now Mr. T Harrison-Moore wants to convert it into a flat.
Richard Longstaff, a local councillor, thinks having homes above shops is a great idea. He believes it can really help the area thrive.
He mentioned that in Europe, it’s common to see homes above active shops, and it boosts foot traffic. More people living nearby means more business for local shops.
Longstaff also pointed out that Southend is facing a housing shortage, and the council is eager to build more residential spaces.
He noted that having more people around would help businesses, especially since Boni-Vee has closed down. He’s used to support that shop and feels its loss.
He added that scaling back the plans for the Barclays building makes sense, as there were worries about cramming too many flats into one space.
Longstaff explained that the closeness to other homes and the risk of social issues from too many flats were valid concerns.