A HOUSING association has welcomed the news it has been chosen as the preferred bidder for a major housing project.

Southend Council is hoping to join forces with Swan Housing Association to build 1,600 homes by Queensway, in the centre of the town.

The plans have been detailed in a report to be discussed next week.

John Synnuck, chief executive officer of Swan Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Southend Council.

“We’ve been taking on complex regenerations just like this for the last 25 years and our award-winning schemes show that we can not only build high-quality homes of all tenures, but also fantastic public realm, including green spaces.

“We can tackle complex road and infrastructure challenges and put in the commercial space and facilities needed to create successful mixed-use regenerations.

“I’d like to say to all the residents and stakeholders at Queensway, that we are looking forward to working with you to develop a masterplan for Queensway which will make it a great place to live and work and a place where everyone in Southend wants to go.

"Together with our partner we will work with you to transform Queensway from an isolated, and ageing estate into a thriving community in the centre of Southend.”