AN historic hotel at the heart of an Essex resort has been given a new lease of life following a �500,000 investment from local businessmen.

The Kingscliff Hotel, in Holland on Sea, had been earmarked for redevelopment into residential flats.

However, the seafront site, which opened its doors in 1932, is now back in business.

The investment has helped safeguard local jobs as the hotel employs around 35 people for its general day-to-day running.

The new owners have also ensured the seafront site is back bigger and better than ever, bringing on board a top chef to take the menu to new heights in the hotel’s Preston Restaurant and adding additional bedrooms.

Suki Dulai, managing director of Flying Trade Group PLC, which bought the site, said: “The Kingscliff has been a big part of the Holland on Sea community for decades.

“As local businessmen we have visited it through the years and were sad to see its decline, knowing how much potential was there.

“The restoration proved more costly than we originally anticipated, because it was important to us to preserve the character of the building.

“The team of interior designers created a classic finish with wall coverings that complement the handmade Italian furniture.

“Many of the original features were retained and restored.”

The Kingscliff kitchen is now headed up by consultant chef John Tindall, who has more than 18 years’ experience working at some of London’s top hotels and restaurants, including the Savoy and the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. A former head chef at the Savoy, Mr Tindall said: “We have shifted the focus to modern, contemporary food, with an emphasis on fresh produce. Everything we serve is homemade, here.”