Alexander House 299 parking spaces for 557-flat block

If approved, Cromer Homes plan for the re-development of former HMRC office block Alexander House, in Victoria Avenue, would include just half a parking space per flat. 

The 557-flat block would sit almost directly next to Southend Victoria train station and it has been argued the city centre location and “excellent” transport links justify the shortage of parking spaces.

However, concerns have been the majority of residents own a car and most people have “two cars per household”. 

Plans - Proposal for 557 flats in Southend (Image: Comer Homes)

Both residents and Labour council leader Daniel Cowan have raised concerns but Tory councillor Daniel Nelson believes it could represent “the future way of living”. 

Southend resident Lesley Taylor said: “We really don’t need anymore flats. We don’t have the infrastructure for anymore. I think it is a great idea to use old empty buildings but most people have two cars per household. 

“I am concerned regarding health centres and dentists too. I would be interested in what other people think, but as a local resident it does concern me.”

The proposal, first submitted last October, is aiming to modernise and transform the site into a “bright new gateway into Southend” and promote “sustainable transport” by including 557 bicycle spaces. 
Plans - Photo of the plans to transform Southend landmark (Image: Comer Homes)

Mr Cowan said: “I think we know that the average household tends to be a car owner these days so not providing spaces for all flats is a concern

“We do also want to encourage as much active travel as possible, with people using public transport, or walking, or cycling. But, we also need to understand that car ownership isn’t going anywhere, so we have to be mindful of people’s needs to own car and therefore have some where to park.”

Mr Nelson, is confident the location of the site, it shouldn’t be an issue.

He said: “I think the future way of living in the city of Southend. The fact is we don’t have spaces for all houses and parking, we have to take that as reality. That area in particular has excellent transport links. There is a bus stop down the road, a train station across the road, another station a short walk away too.”