A council has successfully bid for £15 million of government funding to help make an ambitious regeneration project become a reality.

Southend Council has been awarded the third largest amount from the government pot out of 134 allocations across the country and will be dedicated to the Better Queensway project.

The government funding is being allocated to areas to help get housing projects off the ground and fund infrastructure projects linked to them.

In Southend’s case the funding will be used to carry out the proposed highways changes as part of the overall redevelopment of the Queensway area of Southend.

Ann Holland, responsible Councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, says: “This is fantastic news for all involved.

"Once again we continue to punch above our weight when it comes to making the case for and securing national funding.

“This will allow us to fully deliver the ambitious proposals that we have for the Queensway site and the associated infrastructure required in partnership with the private sector.

"We want a development made up of high quality housing, a better living environment and a better place for people to enjoy and this funding will help us to realise that ambition.

“The fact we have secured the third largest allocation out of 134 bids being funded highlights the hard work and dedication of our officer team and partners, but also the confidence in our plans and in Southend as an investment location.”

The council’s bid was endorsed by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) and the Opportunity South Essex Board.

Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, said: “Each of the 13 schemes, championed by the respective councils and endorsed by SELEP, will make an important contribution to the delivery of new homes.

“Having secured nearly £1 in every £10 of the £866m earmarked to support local housing projects, it clearly shows the Government recognises the role our area can play in helping to fix the broken housing market.”

A detailed report on the Better Queensway project will be presented to the council’s cabinet on February 13, including an update on the public consultation and the next steps to find a joint venture partner.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, was pleased to hear today the announcement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's investment.

The investment comes from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, which was set up to help ensure the right infrastructure is in place at the right time to unlock the high quality new homes.

James has lobbied the Government extensively for Southend to receive funding for this project and is very pleased that the Secretary of State, Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid, has selected Southend and is demonstrating the department’s confidence in this town.

James said: “I was delighted to be informed by the Secretary of State that Southend will be receiving this funding, which will not only help provide new housing, but also improve infrastructure, providing a boost to the local economy. I’d also like to thank everyone involved in the bid for their hard work!”

The Better Queensway project aims to build approximately 1,300 homes, crucially including a minimum of 441 affordable housing units.

Part of the project also involves infrastructure works to reconnect communities separated by the Queensway road and improve access to the town centre.