THE £575 million overhaul of Queensway will begin next year, bosses have insisted despite the firm behind the project being taken over after criticism from the government.

Swan Housing and Southend Council is behind plans to demolish a series of tower blocks and build 1,760 new homes, new shops and cafes, on the Queensway Estate.

Swan has insisted the works will start next year, and councillors are certain the project is progressing well and there are no major concerns about its viability.

It comes as Southend Council prepares to meet on Wednesday to discuss the implications of Swan being taken over by the Orbit Group - a group of housing associations operating across the country.

Swan Housing, which manages 11,600 homes, was found non-compliant for governance and financial viability by the Government’s Regulator of Social Housing in December.

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A spokesman for Swan Housing said: “Swan Housing Association remains committed to working in partnership with Southend Council to bring about the regeneration of the Queensway Estate.

“We are in discussions with Orbit Group about a potential partnership, and this includes how we could deliver this project.

“The project team has continued to develop the scheme throughout this year. A contractor has been appointed for the demolition of the Queensway footbridge and the highways contract tenders are in the process of being evaluated.

Detailed planning work on the first phase has also progressed. It is expected that the scheme will start on site in 2023.”

Under the plans for the regeneration project, the demolition of the current dilapidated town centre blocks will take place over a phased period.

The scheme is expected to take in the region of ten years to be completed.

Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for regeneration and housing, said: “As I have repeatedly said, we, alongside Swan Housing Association remain committed to delivering the Better Queensway regeneration, and there is added security during these uncertain economic times that comes with having a larger organisation such as Orbit potentially involved in such an important project for our city.”

The plans include the demolition Quantock, Chiltern, Malvern and Pennine tower blocks and the residential maisonettes fronting Sutton Road.