About Better Queensway

The regeneration of the Queensway Estate in Southend will be carried out by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and its joint venture partner Swan Housing Association.  The project, which will put local people at the heart of the regeneration, will transform the Queensway area into a vibrant new place which provide high quality housing for residents of all tenures, together with commercial units and high quality and attractive public realm. This will include new public green spaces and a revitalised entrance to Southend-on-Sea from Southend Victoria station.

Southend on Sea Borough Council carried out a detailed resident consultation in 2017 regarding the future of the estate and the regeneration of the Queensway Estate is a key priority for the Borough.

In January 2019 Southend-on-Sea Borough Council selected Swan Housing to be their preferred partner to deliver the regeneration of Queensway and take on the long-term management of the regenerated area following a robust procurement process and contracts for a 30 joint venture were signed.

Swan as a regenerating Housing Association have 25 years’ experience of carrying out complex estate regenerations and their experienced teams are committed to managing a transformed Queensway for the long term for the benefit of residents, the wider community and the Borough.

This is a long term regeneration project which will see the demolition of all four tower blocks as well as the houses on the estate and Southend -on-Sea Borough Council and Swan will work closely with South Essex Homes who manage the Queensway Estate on behalf of the Council during the project to support residents.   Tenancies will remain with South Essex Homes until residents are moved into their new home and all residents will be provided with a team of dedicated officers to support them.

All secure tenants and leaseholders will be offered the right to return to the regenerated estate. For residents who wish to move elsewhere Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has the obligation to support residents with this move and will work with Swan to offer alternative accommodation.

The key outcomes the Partners are expecting from the regeneration include an increase on the number of affordable homes, an attractive housing offer to both returning and new affordable tenants, addressing the Queensway highway, high quality public realm and delivery of long term social value to contribute to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s 2050 vision.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Swan Housing Association are now working to develop their proposals for the regeneration and, following full public consultation, expect to submit a planning application for their proposed scheme in mid 2020.