IBI Group has been selected to provide design and urban planning services on a major regeneration project in Essex.

The firm will support Southend Borough Council on securing a partner to deliver the Better Queensway project, as well as exploring how modern technology can benefit the Queensway area.

The scheme aims to regenerate the Queensway area of Southend with new housing, shops, community facilities and public places. Features include restructuring the local road network including decking over the post-war ring road to create development and a new public space as well as improving the setting of the 'Porters' building.

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Other proposals include replacing existing tower blocks and providing around 1,200 new apartments/town-houses for single people, couples, families and older people.

The scheme will also act as a pilot project for a wider Smart Cities Strategy for the town.

IBI Group's Marcus Wilshere said: "This is an exciting and ambitious project to not only secure a better future for the local community but provide wider benefits to the vitality of Southend town centre, the local economy and the ways the Council provides services. IBI will bring our international experience in making the liveable, family-oriented neighbourhoods at higher densities that is demanded by the Queensway project."

(LM/CD)