Posted 02/12/2020

Residents Asked for Views on Plans for First Phase of £500m Better Queensway Regeneration

Residents of Southend-on-Sea are being asked for their thoughts on plans for the first phase of the £500m Better Queensway regeneration scheme.

Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP has launched a consultation on this first proposed phase of development, asking questions relating to new computer-generated images (CGIs) and artist sketches of the homes and buildings planned, as well as how a new Porter’s Park, central community concierge, outdoor communal spaces and rooms inside the homes could look.

The first phase of the proposed development consists of over 400 homes, as well as ground floor uses including potential artist’s studios, a café and a convenience store. Phase 1 building work would start on the site of Quantock tower - which would be demolished once residents have moved into their new homes - and the temporary Essex Street car park.

The views will feed into the planning application for phase one and follows submission of the ‘hybrid’ planning application, which establishes the principle of regenerating the area and the overall masterplan, as well as the details of the highway changes.

Over the lifetime of the project, Porters Place LLP will submit a number of further planning applications for the various phases of development. All the planning applications will be determined by the Councils’ Development Control Committee.

Geoff Pearce, Chair of the Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP Board and Deputy Chief Executive of Swan Housing Association, said:

“At the first consultation, we asked residents what their priorities were in creating great places that they can call home. They told us that these were the outside space, the communal areas and the living space. We’ve since worked closely with the Residents Steering Group through four workshops, to ensure that they have both influenced these plans and are confident that these materials will be clear and understandable to local people.

“I think that the consultation undertaken so far shows that we are listening to residents about what they want from the regeneration. Now we want to know if our more detailed plans meet or even exceed their expectations, as we await the determination of the ‘hybrid planning application’ and prepare for the next stage. I am delighted to continue to move this exciting project forward. It is set to transform the local community and make a real difference in improving people’s lives.”

Residents on the Queensway estate have already been informed of the consultation and how they can give their feedback. To find out more about the project and the consultation visit www.betterqueensway.co.uk