Buildings in a prime location on Clacton-on-Sea’s beautiful seafront are set to be transformed into a vibrant new venue…with residents and potential tenants being asked exactly how the spaces should be used.
Tendring District Council (TDC) is proposing to redevelop derelict public conveniences, located just south of Clacton Pier, into a new commercial space, incorporating the nearby curved shelter and Beach Patrol storage unit.
Local groups, businesses and residents are being encouraged to share their ideas for how these buildings could connect the town centre with the seafront and what they’d like to see them used for.
The purpose of the Government-funded project is for the site to be used as a cultural or creative venue, but all ideas from residents and businesses are welcome.
A pop-up event to discuss the plans with the project team will be held at the Martello Lounge in Clacton on Tuesday, November 25 between 4.30pm and 7.30pm, with anyone interested welcome to attend.
Councillor Gary Scott, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage said: “We are excited to have secured funding to bring these spaces back into use for the local community.
“They have amazing panoramic views out across the beach and would be an excellent spot for a business who can use them to their fullest potential.
“We’d love to hear from would-be tenants, and anyone interested in creativity and culture, on what they’d like to see the site used for.”
Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism said: “These buildings are in a wonderful location on Clacton’s seafront and it will be brilliant to see them put back into use.
“Please take the time to submit your thoughts via the online consultation or come to the in-person event and discuss the plans with the team.”
A planning application seeking permission to make vital changes to the buildings, ensuring they are fit for a variety of potential future uses, is due to be submitted in the coming weeks.
A formal process to find a tenant will be launched next year.
Anyone wanting to share their views or express an interest in becoming the tenant can do so here.
This project is funded by the Community Regeneration Partnership - a £20million investment programme from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government aimed at revitalising Clacton and Jaywick Sands being delivered by TDC.
To date, the programme has offered local businesses the opportunity to overhaul their shopfronts and provided grants for three new community transport vehicles. A number of ambitious cultural, wellbeing and economic-based projects are also in the pipeline.
