Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is to begin searching for a development partner to help deliver a major redevelopment project in Queensway.

The Better Queensway regeneration aims to create around 1,300 new homes on the site in central Southend-on-Sea, as well as reconnecting the area with the High Street and Southchurch Road, transforming the road layout and creating new and improved public space.

The council is now seeking a partner to enter into a 30-year partnership to fund, develop and manage the housing-led regeneration scheme, which will add to the 441 'affordable' homes currently provided on the site.

A number of requirements have been set out going into the procurement process, which is being launched next week via a contract notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and a procurement event for interested companies.

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Features will include the demolition of the four tower blocks, increasing the level of 'affordable' housing and offering existing tenants on site the chance to return via an assured tenancy offering the same terms and conditions. Preferences have also been established including buildings of no more than 12 storeys, 1:1 car parking, a sustainable approach to energy and environment issues, employment and skills benefits, and smart cities connectivity.

Following the procurement process, a preferred bidder is expected to be announced by spring 2019.

Cllr Ann Holland said: "This is the largest and most exciting regeneration scheme being undertaken in the Borough since the 1960's.  It has the potential to completely transform this key town centre site, and so it is vital for local people and businesses that we get this right.

"That is why we have taken the time to consult and engage with a variety of stakeholders and went through the formal public consultation at the end of 2017 which has enabled us to get to this stage. We are also committed to continuing that engagement and listening to views as we go through the process and get closer to delivering this scheme.

"I am very pleased that we have now got to this stage and we look forward to starting the official search for a development partner next week. Whilst this procurement process will take some time and go into 2019, it is absolutely right that we don't rush it and that we choose the right partner for Southend-on-Sea."

(LM/MH)