New Planting Scheme to Enhance Better Queensway Regeneration in Southend
Southend-on-Sea City Council partners with Beth Chatto Gardens for extensive ecological planting project starting November.
By Rebecca Flint
••2 min read
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Generic image of various hardy perennial plants in an urban green space.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is set to begin a significant new planting scheme at Better Queensway in November, collaborating with the renowned Beth Chatto Gardens to introduce extensive, wildlife-friendly greenery.
The first phase of the regeneration project will see approximately 5,500 square metres of new planting introduced across Southchurch Road, Sutton Road, and Lancaster Gardens, with completion anticipated by mid-November. This initiative is being delivered in partnership with Beth Chatto Gardens, known for its ecological and sustainable horticultural approach.
Horticultural experts from Beth Chatto Gardens will provide design input and ongoing training and support to the Southend-on-Sea City Council's Parks Team, ensuring the long-term success of the planting. The carefully selected species, including salvias, nepeta, geraniums, verbena, and ornamental grasses, are chosen for their year-round colour, resilience, and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
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"We're absolutely delighted to be working with Southend-on-Sea City Council on the Better Queensway redevelopment. This carefully selected planting scheme will make a real difference to the local environment and the experience of people living, working and spending time in Southend. By introducing beautiful, biodiverse and drought-tolerant planting, Southend can help create greener, more resilient urban spaces that support wildlife, thrive in a changing climate and bring lasting benefits to the local community."
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"This is the first of several planting projects being developed through the Council's partnership with Beth Chatto Gardens. Over time, similar planting schemes will be rolled out across Southend, helping to create greener, more biodiverse and climate-resilient spaces throughout the city. These improvements will not only enhance our environment but also foster a greater sense of civic pride, creating attractive spaces that residents can enjoy and feel proud to call part of Southend."
The new planting is a key component of the wider Better Queensway regeneration programme, which also includes highway improvements aimed at facilitating new housing. These efforts collectively aim to create more attractive and greener streets and public spaces for residents.
