Southend Central Area Action Plan

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with the Development Plan documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

Comments

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend as stated in the core strategy will be to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

The continued regeneration of Southend town centre is a regional and sub regional priority, the achievement of which requires support and intervention across a variety of projects and programmes. In broad terms, the Area Action Plan promotes and clarifies the spatial elements of these objectives and includes relevant references to the Regional Economic Strategy.

The key challenges are broadly addressed in the consultation document together with a summary of opportunities and constraints. EEDA would suggest that the objectives in the Action Plan could restate the key targets and outcomes identified in the core strategy.

The Employment Land Review (May 2010) comments that the primary location for existing employment is the town centre, which contains 40% of all employment within the Southend-on-Sea Borough. The area is and will continue to be a significant location for future employment provision. Whilst some office buildings within the centre are of poor quality there is evidence of refurbishment. The report notes that it maybe the case that reasonable office buildings will need to be redeveloped as part of wider proposals for the regeneration of the town.

In developing the action plan further, the Council will no doubt consider the ELR recommendations and particularly that sites should be protected for employment uses as part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy to provide for modern employment floorspace as part of mixed use redevelopment schemes. The ELR suggests that the following business accommodation is protected at:

* Victoria Avenue office quarter
* Elmer Square
* Clarence Road/Alexandra Street
* St John's Quarter
* Warrior Square
* London Road

The AAP acknowledges the difficulty in integrating the land use of St Johns with the seafront area due in part to the diverse nature of the spatial land use and the topography. The AAP should look to identify interactions between the quarters and key sites identified in the AAP. In particular there should be ease of movement between the St Johns quarter, seafront, university and Victoria Road.

It is not clear from each of the individual assessment of quarters and key sites in section 7 of the report what the cumulative impact might be and the impact upon the broader objectives to improve the economic viability, viability and diversity of the town centre. EEDA would encourage more explicit analysis in this respect.

EEDA, with partners, has made significant investments into the town centre to secure economic growth and regeneration objectives. As identified in the plan EEDA welcomes the commitment to identify the key interventions required to deliver the action plan and to secure the long term economic success of the town in the light of the changing regional and sub national architecture.

By addressing these key elements the Central Area Action Plan will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing its regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth.