Businesses have welcomed a plan to convert a landmark former cinema and disused restaurant into a security firm’s headquarters.

Total Security Services (TSS) has recently submitted plans to convert the Regal building in Hale End Road, Highams Park, and erect four-storey offices on the site of the former Shelz restaurant next door.

The Regal’s frontage will be retained under the proposal and used as the main entrance to the offices.

Businesses who spoke to the Guardian said they approved of the plans to bring the buildings back into use.

Erdem Kaya, 22, runs Highland Fish Bar, next to the disused site.

He said: “It will be good for the area as there will be more workers coming here, so it is good for business. It will make the road look better to have both buildings in use.”

Licensee of The County Arms pub, Julie Finnigan, 50, said: “It will bring extra trade to the area and won’t look as much of a mess. People would rather see it used than look like a derelict building."

The County Arms pub's head chef, Paul Ottolangui, 45, agreed it would benefit local trade.
He said: “This is good for the local area. It will mean there will be more working people with disposable income.

“I don’t object to the look of the plans because it’s better than having a boarded up shop.

Pravin Patel, 58, owner of Meg's Newsagents in Hale End Road, said he would have been concerned if the buildings were converted for residential use.

“It’s good for us as local business owners because it will mean an increased foot flow of people during the working day. Had it not been offices and residential, there I think there would be more opposition," he said.

Dennis Swain, 43, is Director of Dendale Construction Ltd, opposite Sheltz restaurant.
He said: “This is good news. It could mean we will lose the eyesore that we’ve seen for the last few years."

Resident and member of Highams Park Forum, Graham Reeve, 66, of The Avenue in Highams Park said: "In principal, it is good to make use of the derelict building, but I do think the new development is too bulky and should be scaled down.”

Currently there are three buildings along Hale End Road leased by TSS and, if the firm's application is approved, it will dominate the row of shops along Hale End Road.

A date is yet to be set for a decision on the application.