The success of the Sunspot development in Jaywick Sands was acknowledged by Tendring District Council’s (TDC) cabinet members earlier this month.

The Sunspot – comprised of 24 low-cost commercial units that includes retail, office space and a café, as well as a covered market and event hall, and other facilities – is now fully occupied since opening in September 2023.

Popular events run by TDC and community groups alongside the weekly market and boot sale – run every Thursday from 10am to 3pm – have strengthened community engagement and contributed to an increase in footfall to the seafront by eight times over the past year.

The project was delivered in partnership with Essex County Council and HAT projects, with business support for tenants provided by Colbea.

Prestigious national awards bodies have shown significant recognition for the initiative’s contribution to the local community, awarding the Sunspot the Institute of Economic Development’s Social Value Champion of the Year 2024 and the Planning Award 2024 for Best Use of Brownfield Land in Placemaking. The project has also been shortlisted for the LGC Awards 2025 category for Future Place and the Delivering Sustainable Growth category for ADEPT President's Awards 2025.

Ivan Henderson, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said the project’s impact on the local community has been exceptional.

“The Sunspot project has been a remarkable achievement that the council should be proud of,” Councillor Henderson said.

“By providing much needed affordable business space, local businesses have thrived, with five of our tenants moving into larger units and increasing opening hours, which has generated employment opportunities for residents.

“Improved perceptions of the area and increased footfall have resulted in businesses now occupying empty shops on the Broadway, further supporting economic growth and the long-term regeneration of Jaywick Sands.

“The café offers affordable fresh and healthy meals – including free children’s meals – and we have created a higher-quality public realm with safe pavements and a community garden.

“Raising aspirations and creating opportunities runs through everything we do as part of Our Vision, the council’s Corporate Plan.

“We hope that the Sunspot will continue to support the local community for many years to come.”

The project received £2.39million from the Government’s Getting Building Fund administered by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, with an additional £2.04million funding coming from Essex County Council, and £816,000 from TDC; which is also using part of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation for operating costs.

To book a meeting room, market pitch, event space or to find out about events happening at the Sunspot, please visit the Sunspot website.

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