NEW images of huge plans to build more than 500 flats and four shops at the site of one of Southend’s most prominent buildings will help create a “mini-Manhattan” in the city.
Under plans by the Comer Homes Group, former HMRC office block Alexander House would be transformed into 557 plush flats.
Plans were initially submitted back in November, but now more designs have been submitted revealing the vision for the building at the junction of Victoria Avenue, Queensway, and Baxter Avenue.
Colin Campbell, Conservative councillor responsible for economic growth, welcomed the plans for the office block and hopes it will create a “mini-Manhattan” with hundreds of homes in the city centre.
Mr Campbell said: “I think these plans are absolutely fantastic.
“This development will create hundreds of new homes we so desperate need, and the plans will really brighten up the local area.
“Another high-quality apartment building on Victoria Avenue will help create the idea of a ‘mini-Manhattan’ in Southend, bringing custom to our city centre and high street.
“The commitment to creating a green space on the available roof will be a nice touch for the residents and will help the city with our environmental impact.”
Alexander House was built back in the 1970s and stands at 16-storeys tall.
It was occupied by HMRC with about 1,600 employees working within the building in its heyday.
The development follows a series of other office blocks in Victoria Avenue, leading to the city centre being converted into modern new flats.
Out of the 557 flats, 334 will be one-bedroom, 185 will be two-bedroom, and 38 will be three-bedroom.
Alongside the flats, four shops will be created on the ground floor. The developer summarised the plan as creating the “formation of a gateway to Better Queensway, and the high street and city centre of Southend”.
The Better Queensway scheme was set to transform this area of central Southend. However, the project, which would have seen four city centre tower blocks demolished and 1,700 new homes built in their place, is yet to get off the ground and has been hit with a series of delays.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel