Councilors will discuss the recommendation and approve the setting up of a joint venture LLP between the Council and Swan that would enable us to collectively deliver the Better Queensway scheme delivering on Southend’s key objectives for the project.

The Council started the procurement process back in March 2018 with a launch event at the end of the Pier.  Several companies went through various stages of the detailed process, with Swan coming through the robust procurement process as preferred bidder.

The report details how their tender has met the requirements laid down by the council, including building more than 441 affordable homes on the site and how Swan will help us deliver not only the regeneration but also manage it for the long term.

Swan’s example scheme developed for the purposes of the procurement process, includes approximately 1,600 new homes, of which over 500 will be affordable. The example scheme also maintains four lanes of traffic on Queensway, new green spaces and improved walking and cycling permeability and space to play. It also incorporates a community fund, improvements to energy and sustainability, and the whole area being designed using secured-by-design principles.

Following the award of the contract, the joint venture would be formally created and a full masterplan prepared for the site. This will involve further consultation with residents, business and other key stakeholders, and submission for planning approval in 2020.