The stalled £575 million Queensway scheme is finally set to begin nearly a decade after it was first mooted.

The Better Queensway scheme involves the complete regeneration of part of central Southend and will eventually involve the demolition of four dilapidated town centre tower blocks and the construction of more than 1,700 new homes.

Porters Place LLP, an organisation set up by Southend Council to deliver the scheme, has applied to start the process of work by fulfilling legal requirements imposed on it when the plans got the green light.

The first part of the scheme will see a bus gate created.

Ian Gilbert, cabinet member for regeneration and major projects, said: “Whilst a relatively small piece of work, the significance is huge.

“The project is vital for the regeneration of our city centre but perhaps more importantly is vital for those living in the area now.

“I’m therefore pleased this application to discharge conditions to let works start has been lodged by the LLP as it is intended to mark a material start on site in planning terms while also delivering changes which are beneficial for local bus companies.”

Mr Gilbert admitted this was a baby step towards the bigger project.

He added: “There is still a long way to go, but this means we can continue to focus on delivering other parts of the project, including work to bring forward the development of the area occupied by the existing temporary Essex Street car park.

“We are wholly committed to delivering this project for the benefit of all, and I’m therefore delighted with this progress.”

The council must spend £15million of a Homes England housing infrastructure fund grant by March 31, 2025 or £500,000 already spent could be clawed back if the project fails to start.

Labour council leader Daniel Cowan, said: “We understand what the Better Queensway project means to residents who live there now, but also the wider benefits it will bring to our city.

“There is a still much to do, but this application marks a little yet important milestone in the delivery of the wider scheme and I am looking forward to making further progress in the weeks and months ahead.”