Plans Approved to Transform Former HMRC Office Block, Alexander House, into Landmark Gateway Development

Southend-on-Sea City Council has approved proposals submitted by leading developer Comer Homes to transform Alexander House into a considered collection of new homes and premium retail spaces. Once occupied by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs as a regional centre, Alexander House will become a landmark new gateway development for the city, with an improved, attractive exterior façade and increased landscaping that will modernise and transform the site. 

The approved plans for Alexander House will reconfigure the current structure into five distinct areas, which are the East Pavilion, West City, East Street, West Pavilion, and East City blocks. In total, 557 high-quality new homes, including much-needed affordable housing, will be delivered, as well as premium ground floor retail units and a public pocket park. 

Designed to rejuvenate a site that has become tired into a proud landmark for the city, the selection of building materials, glazing and planting (across the ground floor park and open spaces and rooftop terraces) will respond to the impact of climate change and create a greener development. 

Sustainability is at the heart of Alexander House with landscaping improvements, a biodiversity net gain and the promotion of greener transport (through a residents’ car club and electric vehicle charging points) providing an enhancement to the local environment. 

As a result of retaining the structure of the building, the carbon footprint of the development will be minimised, whilst a sustainable drainage system will also be put in place. In addition, there will be financial savings for the new residents on their heating bills. 

Brian Comer, co-founder and Chairman of Comer Homes, said: “Alexander House is a notable landmark on the city’s skyline, so we are delighted that our plans to transform the site into something everyone can be proud of is a momentous occasion. 

“We undertook an extensive consultation programme to ensure that we could deliver the best possible scheme that will be the final piece to complete Victoria Avenue and create a spectacular gateway development for Southend-on-Sea. We look forward to beginning work onsite and moving a step closer to bringing this site back to life.”