Comer Homes gets approval to convert former HMRC office

Southend-on-Sea City Council has approved proposals from Comer Homes to redevelop a former HMRC office at 21 Alexander House into homes and shops. The scheme will add two storeys to the 16 floors and deliver 557 flats and communal amenity space across rooftop gardens. It will also include 9,418 sq ft of retail and 299 parking spaces. Additionally, the development will provide 22,173 sq ft of public open space. Alexander House, built in the 1970s, was occupied by HMRC with about 1,600 employees working there. Brian Comer, co-founder and chairman of Comer Homes, said: “We undertook an extensive consultation programme to ensure 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.” View socio-demographic data for Southend-on-Sea >>