£210,000 of Sport England funding is set to help bring new activities, health programmes and community support to residents across Tendring, after councillors approved plans to unlock the investment.
The funding, awarded to Tendring District Council (TDC) through Sport England’s Place Partnerships programme, forms part of a wider £814,798 package secured jointly with partners across North Essex and Active Essex.
The support will be used to develop new opportunities for people to get active, feel better connected, and improve their overall wellbeing.
A £50,000 allocation will be used to prepare community activities linked to the planned Community Ride & Play facility behind Clacton Leisure Centre.
The wider £2million project – which includes a pump track, learn to ride area, climbing boulders and new play space – is currently progressing through the design and planning stage, with an anticipated opening in 2027, subject to approval.
The new funding will ensure a programme of free and low cost sessions can be developed in advance so residents can start benefiting from the space as soon as it opens.
A further £100,298 will launch a new Active Wellbeing Programme, bringing together and expanding support for residents with long term health conditions, disabilities, or mental health needs.
Two dedicated Active Wellbeing Activators will be recruited for a two year period to work hands on with local groups, delivering sport and physical activities that enhance the wellbeing of adults and young people, and leading inclusive health related programmes covering weight management, healthy lifestyles, and mental health for individuals and families.
To strengthen delivery of TDC’s wider Sport and Activity Strategy, £60,000 will also be invested over two years in a permanent Community Sport and Activity Manager role, which will lead the council’s action plans, coordinate key sports initiatives, and work closely with partners and schools to boost participation in sport and physical activity across the district.
At a meeting of TDC’s Cabinet on Friday, 30 January, councillors also agreed funding for two additional priority projects, including £3,600 for a feasibility study into a potential Active Track at Cliff Park in Harwich, in partnership with England Athletics, and £3,599 to enhance the Find Your Active digital platform, helping residents discover activities closer to home
Councillor Mick Barry, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said: “This is a significant investment programme that provides real opportunities for local people to be more active, with a wide range of simple and accessible ways to get involved.
“Whether it’s helping someone take their first steps back into activity, supporting community groups to offer new sessions, or making sure residents can get the most from our new Ride and Play facility when it opens – this is about improving quality of life for people across Tendring.
“We want everyone to feel there’s something here for them, whatever their age, ability or starting point.
“I’m really pleased we can now move forward and begin shaping these projects with our communities.”
