New housing, an electrical vehicle (EV) charging station and park and ride facility, and a small supermarket are options being considered for the future development of land north of Prince Avenue.
The report being discussed by Cabinet next week (Tuesday 27 July) looks at how the land could be used to create new homes, new jobs and encourage major investment into the Borough.
Part of the land is already identified for development in the Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP) which was adopted by Rochford District Council and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council in December 2014.
The council’s cabinet will be asked to agree a set of development principles for the site, and that £200,000 from future capital receipts is used to undertake further work including considering the feasibility of the options, land and flood risk surveys, marketing of the site and submitting an outline planning application for consideration.
Cllr Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for transport, asset management and inward investment, says: “Economic recovery is a key priority for this administration and for our Borough and will be crucial as we recover from the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
“This report details the way forward for delivering something potentially exciting and innovative on this council-owned site that could both encourage inward investment into the Borough, and also create new jobs and new homes for local people.
“I am particularly pleased to test the feasibility of a joint venture that could see an electric vehicle charging station and associated park and ride developed for example. If we are serious about our credentials to become a Green City and achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030, we must consider innovative solutions both as a place and as a community.
“These are very early days, with more work and engagement to do, but the aspiration to develop this key site has always been there through the joint area action plan with Rochford, and I am pleased to see it being progressed.”