Our Projects
Thanks to funding from Essex Community Foundation in April 2025 we began working with residents on the Queensway Estate, Southend. This is designed to bring residents together, amplify local voices, and create positive change.
Through a mix of resident-led activities, workshops, and social events, we aim to build stronger connections and empower people to shape the future of their neighbourhood. Community gardening, art, youth projects, cultural celebrations, and tenant meetings are all ideas being discussed.
Working alongside our local partners, we will ensure that residents have a real say in developing projects. Together, we can create a more vibrant, inclusive and resilient Queensway community.
Queensway Art Jam
Over Summer 2025 we worked with partners and residents to deliver the Queensway Art Jam. Local children took part in creative workshops to develop ideas. These were facilitated by our brilliant artist Ed (@ed209) the ideas were used on 'paint day' to add a splash of colour to the estate. Well done to all involved!
Video: Mike Smith (Queensway resident
Community Matters Directory
Our directory is a digital resource designed to connect residents with local support services across Southend-on-Sea. Specifically curated for areas like the Queensway estate and Victoria Ward, it acts as a central hub for navigating the city's voluntary sector.
The directory categorises essential services—including foodbanks, mental health support, and youth services—to bridge the gap between vulnerable residents and grassroots organisations. It is a key tool in SCM’s mission to foster community-led resilience.
Shaping Queensway Together
Over the past several months, we’ve been collaborating with our community partners to gather your thoughts on the future of Queensway. We’ve listened to your experiences and priorities regarding housing, safety, public spaces, and local facilities.
The Queensway Community Survey was designed to capture these insights as regeneration plans progress. By sharing your views, you are ensuring that the people who live and work here remain at the heart of the decision-making process. Your feedback directly influences how we prioritise support and resources to meet the community's actual needs.
Community Litter Pick
On 30 October community partners got together to help tidy the Queensway estate and surrounding streets. Our Community Development Officer, Chris Silvey, joined residents and volunteers from South Essex Homes, Southend City Council, Taylor Woodrow and Achieve Thrive Flourish to clean streets, parks, and pathways, collecting bags of waste and recyclables.
The team successfully collected more than ten sacks of litter helping to raise environmental awareness and leaving Queensway cleaner, greener, and more connected than before.
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Better Queensway
Southend Community Matters is working with partners to ensure that residents are part of conversations about the project and that they are able to influence how information is shared and how local people can stay informed.
Resident Bob with Phoebe Baker South Essex Homes Resident Engagement Officer
Better Queensway Resident Drop-in
On Thursday 27 November community partners got together for The Better Queensway drop-in event. This public event offered residents a friendly space to learn about upcoming regeneration plans, ask questions, and share their views. Staff from Southend City Council, Taylor Woodrow, South Essex Homes and Southend Community Matters were on hand providing clear information, gathering feedback, and helping residents understand how the project will shape the future of the Queensway community.
For more information about the project, FAQs and how you can have your say visit https://www.southend.gov.uk/communities-neighbourhoods-environment/better-queensway-project
Better Queensway Public Information Event
On February 4, 2026 we joined residents and partners, South Essex Homes , Southend-on-Sea City Council and contractor Taylor Woodrow to host a public information event at discuss the ongoing Better Queensway regeneration project. Local councillors Cllr Margaret Borton and Cllr Ann Jones were also in attendance.
The session was held hosted by local residents at Barringtons and focused on Phase 1 infrastructure works, including the recent removal of the Queensway footbridge and plans to fill the underpass to reduce anti-social behavior. Attendees were shown information about the new four-lane surface-level road, sustainable drainage systems, and enhanced cycle paths linking Victoria Station to the seafront. The event was well attended officials were able to answer residents questions regarding parking and construction timelines.
Cllr Margaret Borton with resident Mike
