Weston Homes acquire former HMRC HQ as part of £60m redevelopment

Weston Homes have completed the purchase of the 0.4 acre Portcullis House site at 27 Victoria Avenue in Southend-on-Sea from Mapeley Estates, formerly the regional headquarters of HM Revenue and Customs, for redevelopment into a landmark £60m residential-led development providing 217 one, two and three-bedroom apartments complete with a landscaped courtyard, entrance foyer and 275 sqm of ground-floor commercial space. Knight Frank acted for the seller.

To be known as Victoria Central, Weston Homes obtained Planning Permission for the new development, which will be 15 storeys high at its apex with a striking brick and glass façade, glass fronted balustrades and a raised glazed ground floor. The development will have a seven-storey rear wing and a landscaped courtyard with timber decking, planting with stone bordered beds and semi-mature trees.

Located just an eight-minute drive away from the town’s seafront, Victoria Central is in Southend-on-Sea, one of the country’s most well-known sea-side resorts. Victoria Central will occupy a prominent position at the southern end of Victoria Avenue, close to both the town centre and seafront.

Bob Weston, Chairman & Executive of Weston Homes, said: “Weston Homes are elated to have received planning consent to transform the former site of Portcullis House into a development of beautifully designed apartments. Following the success of several of our developments in the area of Southend, we are incredibly excited to be expanding our portfolio within the area, and hope for continued success at the scheme.”