A significant investment deal has finally been secured, paving the way for hundreds of new homes to be built at Fossetts Farm in Southend and unlocking much-needed funding for the regeneration of Southend United’s Roots Hall Stadium.
Southend City Council and Thames Plaza, a housing firm led by Jack Martin – son of former Southend United chairman Ron Martin – have finalised conditional contracts to deliver 805 new homes on the Fossetts Farm site, located off Eastern Avenue. This site was previously earmarked for Southend United’s new stadium.
The landmark deal will unlock the transfer of Roots Hall Stadium to Southend United’s new ownership consortium, as long as the Fossetts Farm development receives planning approval. The agreement also triggers phased payments totalling £12 million, dedicated to revamping Roots Hall and improving the football club’s facilities.
Revised plans focus on family homes
Significant changes have been made to the original Fossetts Farm development plans. While the initial designs featured large apartment blocks, the revised plans now prioritise family housing. The development will comprise around 805 homes delivered across three phases, with 485 designated for market rental and 155 for affordable rental.
In addition, Thames Plaza will partner with a private developer to deliver a further phase of approximately 220 homes, which will be available for market sale and include affordable housing.
Community benefits and timeline
The development will provide more than just new housing. Plans also include a nursery, two convenience stores, a café, and open spaces designed to foster a vibrant new community at Fossetts Farm.
Construction on the first phase of 318 homes in Zone C is expected to begin in summer 2026, with completion scheduled for 2029. Retail units are set to be built between 2026 and 2027, and the nursery is expected to open by 2027.
Major investment for Southend United’s future
The financial agreement marks a significant turning point for Southend United, which has faced uncertainty in recent years. The new owners of the football club, led by Justin Rees, pledged to keep the Blues at their historic Roots Hall ground and committed to enhancing the stadium to ensure it meets modern standards. This funding injection will make those plans a reality.
Following completion of the development deal’s due diligence, the Roots Hall transfer can now proceed, allowing the new owners to initiate a major refurbishment of the stadium. The phased £12 million investment will modernise Roots Hall, improving facilities for fans, players, and the wider community.
Key voices on the deal
Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend Council, hailed the agreement as a “huge vote of confidence” in the city. He said: “Securing investment of this magnitude into the delivery of housing for our communities and, in turn, big improvements for Roots Hall, is a huge vote of confidence in the city. It demonstrates our commitment to driving change and delivering much-needed, high-quality market and affordable homes to rent.”
Jack Martin of Thames Plaza called the agreement an “important milestone,” adding: “We have worked closely with the council over the last few years to bring this development forward. The planning application is being prepared for a scheme that will deliver a high-quality, sustainable community at Fossetts Farm. We’ve also worked hard to protect the heritage of the area and to ensure investment flows to assist Southend United in regenerating Roots Hall.”
Justin Rees, Chairman of Southend United Football Club, described the deal as a “major step forward” for the club. He said: “Now that this agreement is in place, we can progress our plans to transform Roots Hall into a modern, financially sustainable stadium that supports both our team’s ambitions and the wider community. Our focus remains on providing improved facilities for our fans and players, ensuring Southend United is equipped for success on and off the pitch.”