A major phase of works to strengthen the connection between Dovercourt’s seafront and town centre have been completed as the area’s regeneration continues to gather pace.

The Government-funded High Street Accelerator Green Spaces project has seen coastal pathways refreshed with vibrant new tarmac, wayfinding signs installed and the area around the Queen Victoria statue improved with painted railings and a seating area.

The marble sculpture on Marine Parade, which has proudly stood for more than a century, has also been deep cleaned by contractors Ryebridge and will soon light up after dark, enhancing the seafront centrepiece even further.

High Street Accelerator Partnership Chairman Paul Milsom said: “This funding has already made a big difference to Dovercourt Town Centre, and I know these latest works will create stronger links between the town centre and seafront which will benefit residents, visitors and businesses.”

The High Street Accelerator project is run by a forum of local partners and supported by Tendring District Council (TDC).

A previous phase of funding was invested in improving town centre shopfronts, launching a new website, upgrading CCTV, installing eye-catching banners to help give the town a distinct identity, and funding a 12-month rent-free lease for local business TLC Dancewear.

During the seafront works, TDC took the decision to permanently close a small number of cliff pathways that had become unsafe. However, there is still several routes from the town centre to the beach and promenade open.

Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism said: “These works are a vital part of the regeneration of Dovercourt town centre and the improvements to the seafront are fantastic.

“I’d like to thank residents for their patience while these were carried out – I know they will make a big difference.”

A team from Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) has also helped install colourful planters throughout the town centre.

Tracy Lawrie, Communities Manager at CVST, said: "We have been working on initiatives like the town centre planters with the High-Street Accelerator Partnership and are so pleased to see improvements being carried out around the town centre.

"We organised a Community Planting Day with our volunteers to put the flowers and shrubs in the planters and the result looks great.

"We are still always looking for help with our High Street Heroes project, which sees volunteers help look after the town planters and do regular litter picks.

"Call us on 01255 554115 or pop into the Dovercourt and Harwich Hub at 276 High Street."

Finishing touches on the seafront works will take place over the next few weeks, with this project being a key part of a vision to regenerate Dovercourt Town Centre.

This also includes Essex County Council’s public realm scheme in Kingsway where work is currently ongoing.

Another ECC project to transform Harwich Library was completed last year and has led to a huge increase in visitor numbers, while TDC is working to deliver new homes in nearby Victoria Street and a modern car park in Milton Road.

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