AMBITIOUS designs showcasing the future of Southend’s city centre have been revealed – including a huge 14-storey tower block on the former Churchill’s site.
Plans to build 58 new flats across two large tower blocks are yet to be voted on by Southend Council, however Skarchitects have unveiled a series of stunning new designs as they look to secure the green light for the project.
The planning application, which was submitted in March, would see the homes built in a prime location on Tylers Avenue which was once the Mangetout restaurant after Churchill’s diner closed its doors for good.
The site has been vacant since 2021 when the previous one and two-storey building was demolished and is currently surrounded by grey hoarding – becoming an eyesore in a prime spot of the city.
Developer Vikesh Kotecha is also behind plans to transform the nearby derelict former Empire Theatre site, between Alexandra Street and Clarence Street, into 27 flats in five and six-storey blocks of flats.
While the computer-generated images have impressed councillors, concerns have are raised around the height of the building, as well as the impact it may have on neighbouring buildings.
David Garston, Conservative councillor responsible for housing and planning, said: “While I accept that we need more housing in Southend and also accept that the site needs to be improved, our officers will, with their experience and qualifications look at this application very carefully.
“It is a tall building which is nothing new in our city centre, but we need to ensure it is of the right quality as it will stand for many years to come.
“We also need to see how it affects other neighbouring buildings in terms of loss of light and overlooking. The street scene needs to be evaluated.
“Interested parties will have the opportunity to submit their observations to the council, all of which will be taken into account by our professional team before submitting their recommendation to the development control committee.
“Members of the development control committee will then consider carefully whether to approve the application or not, taking all the issues into account that are relevant to planning rules.”
Skarchitects, agent for the developer Vikesh Kotecha say on their website the scheme will “lead to an aspirational city centre living, working, and relaxing by the sea”.
Daniel Cowan, leader of the Labour group at Southend Council, added: “Southend is in need of housing and central locations like this are popular due to good transport links.
“The computer-generated images show a modern building which would be an improvement, but I am concerned that it is quite an imposing building.
“It will be interesting to see what the recommendation of officers will be, but we must be mindful that such developments should look to improve the area and mitigate any negative impacts on the existing community.”
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