A new illustration has revealed how a major part of Southend city centre could be transformed under the Better Queensway regeneration project, with plans for hundreds of new homes on sites currently occupied by car parks, shops and existing housing.
The latest proposals identify the site of The Range and Short Street car park, alongside Quantock Tower and the former Essex Street car park, as potential locations for the first stages of the long-awaited development.
Southend-on-Sea City Council has previously outlined ambitions for up to 1,000 homes in the initial phases, alongside improvements to public spaces and the wider city centre.
The newly released illustration offers a glimpse of how the area could eventually look, although the design remains indicative and is subject to further development and approval.
Where could the first new homes be built?
A report prepared for councillors identifies two potential development zones that could kick-start the housing element of Better Queensway.
- Zone 1: The site currently occupied by The Range and Short Street car park.
- Zone 2: Quantock Tower and the former temporary Essex Street car park, which is currently being used as a compound for the Queensway highways contractor.
The council says the two zones could be developed in either order or potentially together, depending on discussions with a future development partner.
The proposals form part of a much larger regeneration scheme covering the area around Queensway, including the Quantock, Malvern, Pennine and Chiltern tower blocks.
Quantock Tower could be refurbished instead of demolished
One significant development is the possibility of retaining and extensively refurbishing Quantock Tower rather than demolishing and rebuilding it.
Council-commissioned feasibility work suggests the existing tower could undergo a major refurbishment, modernising and expanding the building while bringing it into line with current safety requirements.
This would include providing a second staircase to improve emergency escape arrangements.
The council says such an approach could provide a building with a lifespan and quality comparable to a new development, while potentially reducing the carbon impact associated with demolition and reconstruction.
However, the proposals remain subject to further design work, financial assessments and agreement with a development partner.
The council also intends to prepare a housing needs assessment and relocation strategy for Quantock residents, with the aim of ensuring those not currently in temporary accommodation only need to move once.
What would happen to The Range?
The future of The Range is another important consideration, with its existing site included in the proposed first development zone.
According to the Cabinet report, the retailer’s lease is due to expire in September 2028 and discussions are already taking place.
The council says its ambition is to support The Range in remaining in Southend city centre where possible.
No final decision has been announced on the store’s future or whether it would need to relocate.
First housing zones estimated to cost £330 million
The council’s latest report estimates that construction of the first two development zones could cost approximately £330 million.
This is an early estimate rather than an agreed final budget. It does not include inflation or account for potential grant funding and cost reductions that could emerge as the designs are developed.
To help make the project financially viable, the council is proposing to establish an Investment Partnership with a private-sector organisation.
Under this arrangement, the council would contribute land and potentially funding, while its selected partner would provide development expertise, resources and potentially finance.
The council would retain strategic oversight of its land and a say in which sites are developed.
The report also recommends an additional £1.1 million in council borrowing to fund specialist support and project development work during 2026/27 and 2027/28, subject to the necessary approvals.
This funding would support work to progress the housing proposals rather than directly pay for the £330 million construction programme.
Major Queensway roadworks already paving the way
The latest housing proposals come as substantial work continues on the road network around Queensway.
The wider regeneration includes removing the former Queensway underpass and footbridge, introducing new road and roundabout arrangements, improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and creating new public spaces and planting.
The council says these highway improvements are now substantially advanced and will provide the foundation for the future housing development.
The residential element of Better Queensway had previously been paused following changes to the project’s development arrangements, tougher building safety requirements and challenging economic conditions.
The council is now seeking a more flexible approach to delivering the new homes, with the potential for other regeneration sites across Southend to be included in the proposed partnership in future.
Council leader Daniel Cowan said: “Better Queensway is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the heart of our city, and build a place that current and future residents can be proud of.”
He added: “Subject to Cabinet approval, this is a major milestone with the process of setting up an Investment Partnership. Through which, the city council will work jointly with a commercial organisation to ensure that future development phases are both fundable and deliverable.”
What happens next for Better Queensway?
The latest proposals are due to be considered through the council’s decision-making process, with a scrutiny meeting scheduled for Thursday 12 November 2026 and a Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday 16 November 2026.
Cabinet is being asked to approve the proposed development-zone approach and begin the process of selecting an investment partner.
Importantly, this would not mean a developer had been appointed or that construction of the new homes had been authorised.
A future Cabinet decision would still be required before the council could enter into an Investment Partnership.
Further design work, planning approvals, funding arrangements and decisions affecting existing residents and businesses would also be needed before the housing development could proceed.
For now, the new illustration provides one of the clearest indications yet of how a major section of Southend city centre could change in the years ahead.
Always hear first about breaking news in Southend
Add Your Southend as a Preferred Source on Google to ensure our stories appear in your search results. It's free and easy to do.
Click here to add Your Southend on Google ↗