Queensway residents 'living limbo' over future of homes

The £575million Queensway regeneration was first devised almost ten years ago but major plans to demolish the four tower blocks and build 1,700 new homes have been hit with repeated delays since. 

Residents living in the notorious tower blocks have welcomed a major crackdown to tackle drugs, crime and antisocial behaviour at the homes but have now called for answers from the council over the future of homes.  

Queensway - An artists impression of the scheme (Image: Newsquest)

Southend Council started work creating a new bus gate, the first stage of the project, in September and insists it remains committed but no timeline is in place for demolition work. 

Mike Smith, resident in Malvern tower block, said: “There has been less problems in recent months. But we are concerned about the future, there are always delays.

“We are frustrated as it is always talk, but no action. We don’t know whether to decorate, not decorate, it is a waste of money, we are stuck in the balance. I know the council mean well and are doing what they can. But it doesn’t help the residents, sitting here, wondering when it is actually going happen.”

Patrols - Tower blocks in Southend (Image: Essex Police)

The council must spend £15 million 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.

Kevin Robinson, councillor responsible for regeneration and major projects, confirmed the council remains “fully committed to the project”. 

Current - Malvern tower block in Southend (Image: Google Maps)

He said: “We understand the uncertainty current residents must be experiencing. We remain fully committed to the Better Queensway project and its vision of transforming central Southend for the benefit of the local community and our city.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the project’s success and are actively exploring all available options to move forward.” 

Current - Pennine tower block in Southend (Image: Google Maps)

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for public safety, added: “I fully support the work done to make our city and tower blocks safer.

“There will always be people who misbehave. But one thing with towers blocks, is the opportunity it can give to cause antisocial behaviour. With the Queensway scheme, it gives us the opportunity to design out the things that create antisocial behaviour.”