The multi-million pound scheme for the town's Navyard will be one of the largest developments to take place in Tendring in modern times.

The project could bring in about £200million of inward investment to Harwich and the proposals include a marina, retail, hotel, houses and apartments, and commercial use.

Architects Gaunt Francis has prepared a development brief following on from the Harwich Masterplan to regenerate this important area of the town.

INTend, Tendring District Council's regeneration company, along with Gaunt Francis, are now inviting anyone interested in this scheme to come forward and attend a special consultation day on April 21, 2009.

The event is being staged in the Samuel Pepys Room, Trinity House, The Quay, Harwich from 12noon to 8pm.

Les Double, INTend's area board director for Harwich, said it was a very exciting project for the town.

"It needs to be a sustainable development which is integrated with the Old Town of Harwich," he said.

"We are only too aware that there will be many views out there and I am urging people to get involved in this consultation exercise at the very outset.

It is important that people come along and discuss these proposals and put their own views across."

Also included in the suggested proposals are:

Ø Space for a market, which could be shared with Dovercourt
Ø New sailing club facilities for the town's existing club
Ø Possible consolidation of HHA activities
Ø Potential for commercial use of some of the development
Ø Support services for the marina, such a chandlery and yacht brokerage
Ø Provision of all car parking to be on site with a replacement multi-story car park.
Ø Improved public open spaces
Ø Re-siting of the Treadwheel crane to the Waterfront

Mr Double said the meeting on April 21 is the first stage of the consultation strategy for the redevelopment of the site and more would follow.

"The whole idea is to attract a developer to come forward and submit a planning application in about a year to 18 months time," he added.

"However, now is the time to be in at the beginning of the whole process."