Funding confirmed for £6m regeneration plan

The Government money will be used to develop the Farringdon car park, in Elmer Approach, and the old South East Essex College building opposite Sainsbury’s in London Road, Southend.

On the Farringdon site the new development, called Elmer Square, will see an expansion of both South East Essex College and the University of Essex as well as a new library. The car parking at Farringdon will be replaced by an underground car park opposite Sainsbury’s, with accommodation for university students above.

The new car park will be opened before its multi-storey counterpart is demolished.

John Lamb, Conservative councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “This is an important step forward for Southend.

“We have worked closely with our partners and I thank them for their work and support to ensure this major project to improve the education opportunities of our town can now go ahead.

“There will be significant job requirements throughout the construction phases and once complete we will see more teaching staff in Southend and more learning opportunities for our youngsters, and indeed adults.

“The advantages of being a university town will, as the University of Essex expands, become very apparent, with increased interest in inward investment and new quality job opportunities.”

The work on the London Road site is due to finish in September 2010. Work on the Farringdon site will start after that.

Anna Waite, Conservative councillor responsible for transport and planning, also welcomed the funding.

She said: “Now we have the required funding we can start to make a real difference, relocating the car park, building student accommodation and new educational facilities will be tremendously significant for the future prospects of Southend.

“Add to this improvements at Progress Road, Victoria Avenue roundabout and phase one of City Beach and soon residents will begin to see benefits for the town.”