MULTI-MILLION pound plans to build 1,600 homes will go on display to the public for the first time this month.

The exhibition for the Queensway development will show an initial proposal of how the site could be developed and will ask for views on a variety of topics.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

The public will be asked for their views on how the regeneration - a joint partnership with Southend Council and Swan Housing Association - can best meet the needs of the community, what improvements could be made to streets and public spaces, and what high quality housing means to people.

Feedback from this first stage of consultation, which will run until November 18, will allow planner to develop the design ahead of second round of public consultation in early 2020 before a planning application is submitted.

Geoff Pearce, executive director of regeneration and development at Swan Housing, said: “Better Queensway will see approximately £500million of investment into one of the most deprived areas of Southend and the transformation of the area to make way for vastly-improved housing and a significant number of new homes.

"We look forward to meeting the community during this initial stage of consultation which will help shape designs for the regeneration.”

Ian Gilbert, Southend Council leader, said: “The project will genuinely transform this area of central Southend.

“It will have both significant social and economic benefits and it is vital that we deliver this project for the benefit of the local and wider community.

"This is a massive project for Southend and with a project of this size, there will inevitably be elements of the initial plans that provoke debate and different views and it is therefore really important that people attend the initial consultation events and have their say.”

Exhibitions will run on Wednesday at All Saints Church hall 3pm to 8pm, Saturday at the Forum 10am to 2pm, Monday at Twenty One Western Esplanade and the Cliffs on October 30.