Better Queensway

Better Queensway regeneration project in Southend-on-Sea gets green light



Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP has received approval for its ‘hybrid’ planning application for its Better Queensway regeneration project.


The redevelopment is set to be a catalyst for further improvements to Southend-on-Sea town centre and has been given outline consent for its masterplan, jointly designed by architects dRMM and LDA Design, as well as detailed consent for highway changes by Civic Engineers.

The project aims to bring over £500m of investment into the existing Queensway estate.

Following the planning approval, a brand new fly-through video has been released to help local residents visualise the future plans for the site, which can be viewed here.

The approved overall 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 sq m 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 
  • 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
  • additional residential car parking.  

The regeneration plans also include the removal of the roundabout and associated underpass at Queensway/ Sutton Road/ Southchurch Road, replacing it with an avenue with cycle lanes, using the latest in sustainable highways design to retain four lanes of traffic.

Better Queensway will deliver at least 512 affordable homes via a mix of 300 social rented 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 Housing Association also intend to provide an additional 100 affordable homes through a separate contractual agreement.

Every home will have its own private outdoor space, whether it be a balcony, terrace or garden.

The regeneration project will also offer new green spaces, including an urban park, 190 trees and 1,400 metres of cycle paths along Queensway and Southchurch Road. 

On top of this, it will feature electric car charging points, greener energy generation and sustainable construction methods to improve the overall environmental performance of the project.

Geoff Pearce, chair of the Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP board and deputy chief executive at Swan Housing Association said: “At a time when many towns are calling for investment to help improve the local area, we are confident that the over £500m of 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, wellbeing and support to the community.

“Our plans for the Queensway Estate represent a better future — much needed homes, high quality public spaces, greener, healthier environments and support to both local residents to benefit from employment and training and local businesses to grow.”



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