Tax office high-rise to be turned into 557 flats

Alexander House, a former HMRC office block, will be turned into 557 flats

Plans to transform a former tax office high-rise into 557 flats has cleared the final hurdle.

Developer Comer Homes secured planning permission to redevelop HMRC's Alexander House, in Southend-on-Sea.

The city council approved the scheme in October 2024, subject to a Section 106 agreement which has now been finalised, which ensures the developer will contribute to other infrastructure and services, including more than £300,000 for local schools.

Anna Jones, Labour cabinet member for planning and housing, said: "This scheme will transform a long-empty building into hundreds of much-needed homes."

The development will convert the long-vacant office block with no major external changes to the building's structure, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Alexander House is a former HM Revenue and Customs building

The agreement, which was signed on this month, included a range of commitments:

• £317,897, which would contribute towards improvements at Southchurch Academy or a nearby secondary school

• £45,000 to upgrade bus stop infrastructure at Victoria Gateway

• £6,000 towards taxi rank improvements

• £8,000 per year for five years to monitor travel plans and provision of up to three car-club vehicles on-site, phased in as occupancy increases

The developer also agreed to a range of transport and highways contributions and for 56 shared ownership units in the tower block to be designated as "affordable housing".

Ms Jones added: "The development will be subject to a Section 106 agreement, ensuring contributions are secured to support local services and deliver benefits for our city."