St John’s is identified as a Major Project Area in the Central Area Masterplan Development Framework. The development opportunity focuses on the integrated development of the existing surface car parks at Tylers Avenue and Seaway.
The objectives are to create a major extension to the town centre; a new mixed-use quarter providing contemporary retailing, housing and leisure facilities together with a landmark cultural building (possibly a Digital Media Gallery). The scheme provides scope to strengthen pedestrian routes between the town centre and the seafront, improve the format and orientation of Royals Shopping Centre, and enrich the setting of St John’s Church and its churchyard as an urban focal point and public space.
We anticipate that development would be undertaken by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council acting in partnership with a selected private development company.
A preliminary capacity study indicates potential for the following accommodation:
- Digital Media Gallery (circa 7,000 sqm);
- 23,000 sqm comparison retail;
- 3,500 sqm convenience retail;
- 500 homes;
- ancillary leisure, hotel, food and drink;
- 1,000 public car spaces
We propose commissioning further design and feasibility work to test possible design solutions, for further public consultation.