Deal signed to deliver new homes and unlock investment into Roots Hall stadium

Whilst the proposals will still have to go through the usual planning process, funders have backed the proposals, and the Council and Thames Plaza have entered into the necessary conditional contracts to bring the proposed housing development forward.

As well as the housing, the deal between the Council and Thames Plaza will also unlock the transfer of Roots Hall to the new owners of the club if planning permission is granted at Fossetts Farm. It will also trigger phased payments up to £12m to refurbish and regenerate Roots Hall Stadium, ensuring Southend United Football Club remains at its historic home with much-needed investment in its facilities.

Significant changes have been made to enable the proposed development to be delivered. In addition to improving the financial terms for the Council, the revised plans shift away from large blocks of flats to being primarily focused on single-family housing. While a small number of apartments remain, the majority of properties will be houses. Thames Plaza, in partnership with the Council, will deliver around 805 homes in three phases, including around 485 market rental homes and 155 affordable rental homes.

Thames Plaza also plan to deliver a further phase of around 220 homes with a private development partner, which will be available for market sale, and which will also include affordable housing.

Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, says: "I am delighted to confirm that the changes we agreed between the Council and Thames Plaza have passed due diligence and that the deal has been signed.

"Securing investment of this magnitude into the delivery of housing for our communities and in turn, big improvements for Roots Hall, is a huge vote of confidence in the city and demonstrates our commitment to driving change and delivering much-needed, high quality market and affordable homes to rent."

Jack Martin, representing Thames Plaza, added: "We have been working very closely with the Council over the last few years to bring this development forward and this represents an important milestone.

"The planning application is being prepared for a scheme comprising a new community of high quality, sustainable homes set in a fantastic public realm at Fossetts. We have also worked hard to protect the heritage of the area with investment in the scheduled monument and to make sure that investment flows to assist Southend United in its regeneration plans for Roots Hall.

"We look forward to continuing to work with our funding partners and Southend-on-Sea City Council to deliver this exciting development for the city."

Justin Rees, Chairman of Southend United Football Club, said "The signing of this deal represents a major step forward and brings us closer to the much-needed investment in Roots Hall. Now that this agreement is in place, we can progress our plans to transform Roots Hall into a modern, financially sustainable stadium that supports both our team's ambitions and the wider community. Our focus remains on providing improved facilities for our fans and players, ensuring Southend United is equipped for success on and off the pitch."