City of Long Beach Commemorates Demolition of English Village Near Queen Mary

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: City of Long Beach officials commemorate the demolition of the English Village, located near the Queen Mary, on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department today held a demolition ceremony for the English Village (Village) located adjacent to the Queen Mary at Queens Highway and Windsor Way. Removal of the structure makes way for additional parking and event space and marks a meaningful step forward in the economic revitalization and growth of the downtown waterfront area.

"This project reflects the City's continued investment and commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike-one that celebrates Long Beach's unique coastal character and music history and positions us as a hub for culture, entertainment and international visibility," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "The demolition of the former Village will create new opportunities for future uses that enhance public access, complement the iconic Queen Mary and support the ongoing revitalization of the waterfront."

During its March 4, 2025, meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved with an 8 to 0 vote to enter into contract with Environmental Construction Group, Inc. for the demolition, abatement and removal of the existing structures located within the Village. The site formerly operated as a themed shopping space and has been vacant for several years. Demolition of the Village eliminates existing public hazards and addresses safety concerns, supporting the continued operations of the Queen Mary and surrounding area.

"From the ongoing revitalization of the Queen Mary area to the development of a new world-class attraction, there is so much to look forward to along our downtown waterfront and I'm thrilled for our residents to see the positive changes taking place right here in their own backyard," said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas.

The downtown waterfront is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for tourism and entertainment, with the new Long Beach Amphitheater expected by the end of the year and the staging of several sporting events confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. These monumental opportunities will bolster the local economy by supporting businesses, generating jobs and revenues and attracting worldwide visitors to the city. Together, these efforts will firmly place Long Beach on the global stage as a leading destination for international events, innovation and coastal experiences.

"This effort signifies meaningful progress in the ongoing transformation of the Queen Mary campus," said Economic Development Department Deputy Director Johnny Vallejo. "We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for those visiting the Queen Mary, Carnival Cruise Lines and special events in the area."

The demolition of the Village is expected to be completed in May 2025. To learn about related waterfront development, those interested can visit longbeach.gov/waterfront.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Economic Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/ed, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.

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