Queensway residents get first look at initial plans for future

October 22, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

Over 40 local residents of the current Queensway estate got a special preview of initial concepts of how the Better Queensway regeneration could take shape in the future.

The resident preview event took place at The Storehouse last night (Monday 21 October), ahead of a number of public exhibitions taking place over the coming weeks.

Designed to start a conversation with local people about the project and ensure local people’s views are taken into account from the start, the exhibitions show an initial proposal of how the site could be developed and ask for views on a variety of topics, including how the regeneration can best meet the needs of the community, what improvements could be made to streets and public spaces, and what high quality housing means to local people.

Feedback from this first stage of consultation, which will run until 18^th November, will allow the LLP to develop detailed designs ahead of second round of public consultation in early 2020 before the submission of a planning application.

Mike Smith, who lives on the Queensway estate, says: “It was great to see many Queensway estate residents attending the preview event to talk about the initial draft designs for the regeneration of the estate. Everything was very positive and consultations will be ongoing to get the residents' views of what will be most important to them in the design for the new estate. I was particularly pleased to hear about the residents steering group and I look forward to playing my part in that.” 

Geoff Pearce, Chair of the Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP Board and Executive Director of Regeneration and Development at Swan Housing, says: “The Better Queensway project will see major investment and development that will transform this area of central Southend, but it is about people and communities first and foremost.

“This project has local people at its heart, and so it was great to see many residents of the estate coming along to take a look and talk to our project team.  Residents were able to tell us what their priorities are for the regeneration and to discuss the vision with the team.  It was an extremely positive evening and we look forward to working with the residents moving forwards.”

Cllr Ian Gilbert, Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, says: “This project will have both significant social and economic benefits and it is vital that we deliver this project for the benefit of the local and wider community. 

“I am pleased that those living on the estate got a first look ahead of the public exhibitions taking place over the coming days and would urge other residents to attend the public exhibitions and make their views known.”

John Synnuck, Chief Executive for Swan Housing, said: “As part of Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP, we want to work with local people to transform Queensway from an isolated and aging estate into a thriving community right in the centre of Southend-on-Sea. 

“It was therefore great to see local people attend this preview and we look forward to the public exhibitions also taking place which will help us to draw up the proposals for the site ready for further consultation in the New Year and then the submission of a planning application.”

The exhibition dates, times and venues are as follows:

• Wednesday 23 October - All Saints Church hall: 3pm to 8pm
• Saturday 26 October - The Forum: 10am to 2pm
• Monday 28 October - Twenty One Western Esplanade: 8am to 1pm
• Wednesday 30 October - Cliffs Pavilion: 12pm to 5pm

A non-staffed exhibition will also be available to view in the Civic Centre during office hours. The exhibition boards can also be viewed at www.southend.gov.uk/betterqueensway