The £500m redevelopment of the Queensway area of Southend was approved by the local council last night.

The Better Queensway project, which is a joint venture between Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Swan Housing Association (Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP), is proposing to build 1,760 homes. It is hoped it will also become a catalyst for further improvements to the town centre.

Geoff Pearce, Chair of the Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP Board and Deputy Chief Executive of Swan Housing Association said: “The Better Queensway regeneration project will transform Southend-on-Sea not only through the re-development of the existing estate but by improving the lives of existing and new residents.

“At a time when many towns are calling for investment to help improve the local area, we are confident that the £500m plus investment in the Better Queensway regeneration will help ensure that Southend-on-Sea doesn’t just recover from Covid-19 but thrives and becomes an exemplar scheme driving economic recovery, well-being and supporting the community.

“Our plans for the Queensway Estate represent a better future – much needed homes, high quality public spaces, greener healthier environments and will support both local residents to benefit from employment and training, and local businesses to grow. We couldn’t be more delighted to have secured the go ahead!.”

Part of the existing Queensway area of Southend

The approved overall masterplan, jointly designed by award winning architects dRMM and LDA Design, includes:

  • Phased demolition of the four existing tower blocks on the Queensway estate and their replacement with a high-quality development of up to 1,760 modern new homes
  • Up to 10,000 sqm of commercial space including retail and cafes that will complement the existing high street retailers; employment space for start-up businesses and creative industries and a creche or nursery
  • A new central community concierge
  • Attractive new public realm and improved links to the town centre for those travelling from Southend Victoria railway station or on foot or cycle from surrounding streets
  • A new urban park and public squares designed by LDA design, the same landscape architects who created the acclaimed Olympic Park in Stratford
  • Additional residential car parking

Alison Griffin, Chief Executive at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, added: “Key within the Borough’s 2050 ambitions is providing additional housing to meet people’s needs, creating opportunity and prosperity through new jobs and attracting investment to Southend-on-Sea.

“The Better Queensway regeneration scheme goes a long way to delivering those ambitions and we are pleased to be able to progress the project.”

Helping to meet the needs of affordable housing in Southend, it is hoped to deliver at least 512 genuinely affordable homes via a mix of 300 social rented homes and 212 intermediate homes (shared equity and shared ownership). The 300 social rented and 12 shared equity homes will be delivered through the S106 planning agreement and 200 shared ownership homes through a contractual commitment in the approved business plan. The Council and Swan are also intending to deliver an additional 100 genuinely affordable homes through a separate contractual agreement.

The scheme also makes provision for a greener and more sustainable Queensway. Not only will every home have its own private outdoor space – balcony, terrace or garden – there will also be new green spaces including an urban park, 190 new trees and 1,400 metres of new cycle paths along Queensway and Southchurch Road. Electric car charging points, greener energy generation and sustainable construction methods will also improve the overall environmental performance of the development.

Following the planning approval, a brand-new fly through video has also been released and it can be viewed here.