Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last year or so, we have continued to make great progress with the plans for Better Queensway. Due to the pandemic and rising material costs, Porters Place LLP have been granted permission to extend the existing budget operating period for the project while further financial calculations are made. We remain confident and fully committed to delivering this much-needed regeneration and bringing you the new homes that you so deserve.

You will notice the Queensway pedestrian bridge has closed, ready for its removal and, over the coming months, you will also notice the start of enabling works for the utility companies and hopefully us achieving planning permission for the first phase of housing for the project (Phase 1A) which we expect the council to make a decision on late Spring. The new homes in Phase 1A will be built where the current, temporary Essex Street car park is located.

You will notice the temporary closure of the Essex Street car park to help with the start of these works (see details on page 2 for other parking options). For this to happen, and to keep the site safe, we will be placing some temporary fencing around the car park. Following this, a site office will be placed within the car park and works will begin to prepare for the removal of the Queensway footbridge. This car park is situated off Essex Street, near Chichester Road and the nearest alternative car parks are The Victoria Centre, Warrior Square or Tyler’s Avenue. A map showing all the council car parks can be found on the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council website here: https://www.southend.gov.uk/homepage/331/car-parks-map