UK house builder Weston Homes has acquired a 1,600 m2 plot in Southend-on-Sea from Mapeley Estates, and revealed plans to develop a £60 mln (€70 mln) apartment scheme on the site.

Victoria Central

Victoria Central

Portcullis House at 27 Victoria Avenue was formerly the regional headquarters of HM Revenue and Customs. The building will be replaced with a 15 storey residential development featuring a brick and glass façade, glass fronted balustrades and a raised glazed ground floor.

The development will have a seven-storey rear wing and a landscaped courtyard, according to Weston Homes, which has already obtained planning permission for the project.

Bob Weston, chairman & executive of Weston Homes, said: 'Weston Homes are elated to have received planning consent to transform the former site of Portcullis House into a development of beautifully designed apartments.

'Following the success of several of our developments in the area of Southend, we are incredibly excited to be expanding our portfolio within the area, and hope for continued success at the scheme.'

On completion, the scheme will provide 217 one, two and three bedroom apartments complete with a landscaped courtyard, entrance foyer and 275 m2 of ground floor commercial space. It has been dubbed Victoria Central.

Knight Frank acted for the seller.