One of Southend’s busiest car parks has been closed and fenced off as work begins on the city’s £575 million Better Queensway regeneration project.
The Essex Street car park, next to the Victoria Shopping Centre, has been taken over by contractors and will be used as a base for construction throughout the project.
Better Queensway is one of the most significant regeneration schemes ever undertaken in Southend. It will see the removal of the Queensway underpass, the demolition of bridges and the reduction of the Queensway roundabout, alongside the creation of new housing, cycle routes, public spaces and improved pedestrian access.
The council said the car park closed on 8 September and will house construction materials, welfare units and operational equipment. Drivers are being redirected to alternative parking at Short Street, Tylers Avenue, York Road, University Square, Warrior Square, Chancellor Road, Clarence Road, Alexandra Street and other Victoria Shopping Centre car parks.
Councillor Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for regeneration, said:
“Better Queensway is a bold step forward for Southend, creating safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone. We know change can be disruptive, so we’re supporting residents and businesses with regular updates, a Taylor Woodrow community engagement officer on-site two days a week, and alternative parking. with marshals to guide you.”
Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for housing and planning, said:
“Better Queensway is about building the homes and spaces our community needs. This work will improve safety and access, and we’ll keep listening to residents through our Queensway Matters forum every two months.”
The scheme is supported by a £15 million housing infrastructure grant from Homes England. Pauline Schaffer, director of infrastructure funding at Homes England, said:
“We want to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites. This investment will deliver inclusive, sustainable places ready for the future.”
Concerns from local residents
Not everyone is convinced by the project.
Adrian Batchelor said: “Good luck getting to the seafront quickly when they take away the underpass and for getting to the Royals car park.”
Jan Morrison added: “So a new diagnostic centre is going to open in the old Argos unit resulting in lots of people attending and they close the most convenient car park…”
Latest updates on the scheme
- The first stage involves major road and infrastructure changes, including the removal of the underpass and raising the road level, at a cost of around £21.5 million.
- A new “bus gate” has already been created outside Southend Victoria station to improve public transport access.
- Around 1,700 homes are planned for the project in total, with 218 included in the initial phase.
- The council now fully owns Porters Place LLP, following changes in local housing association ownership, giving it direct control over development.