London Road is identified as a Key Site in the Southend Central Area Masterplan (Final Report March 2008). The development opportunity is based on preparing a design brief for the comprehensive redevelopment of the land and buildings between London Road and Queensway, in a restructured public realm to afford greater accessibility to Victoria Avenue and Victoria Station.
The aim is to create a landmark grade A office location, supported by an enhanced retail and leisure offer, and new residential development at upper levels. Improvements to the public realm will forge stronger linkages not only to Victoria Station, but also to Farringdon and Southend Central Station and the High Street.
A preliminary capacity study indicates potential for the following accommodation:
• 25,000 sqm prime offices
• ground floor commercial uses
• 50 homes
• 200 public car spaces
HCA has funded initial design development work for major highway and public realm improvements in Queensway, London Road/Broadway and Victoria Circus and this work has been adopted by the Council as a Development Brief and interim planning guidance to steer and encourage future development. The project aims to improve pedestrian links and rebalance movement priorities between cars, people, public transport and cyclists.