Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP has been given the go-ahead for the £500m Better Queensway regeneration project, following the approval of its ‘hybrid’ planning application
Set to bring over £500m investment into the existing Queensway estate, the Better Queensway regeneration project will be a catalyst for further improvements to Southend-on-Sea town centre.
The masterplan has been jointly designed by architects dRMM and LDA Design, as well as detailed consent for highway changes by Civic Engineers.
The approved overall Queensway regeneration project masterplan includes:
- Phased demolition of the four existing tower blocks on the Queensway estate and their replacement with the 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
- A 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
- Additional residential car parking.
Better Queensway will deliver at least 512 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 plans will also provide a greener and more sustainable Queensway. There will 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.
‘A better future’
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!”
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.”
