Clearance has begun at two derelict sites in Dovercourt as part of a £9million regeneration project.

Contractors SRC Group, working on behalf of Tendring District Council (TDC), have begun clearance work on the former homes and hotel sites in Victoria Street.

The work is part of a government-funded £9million capital regeneration project, being delivered in partnership with Essex County Council, which also includes improvements being made to the town's library, refurbishment of the Milton Road car park, and improvements Kingsway.

Clearance of the Victoria Street sites will allow more detailed surveys to be done as part of the scheme to put new homes on the land, as well as improve the streetscape for local residents.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said he was pleased to see the work beginning on the sites.

“These sites have been eyesores for residents for a long time, and so it's really pleasing to be able to do something for them and as part of a wider regeneration of the town centre,” Councillor Henderson said.

“I was pleased to see the amount of clearance work that has already happened and better reveal the building and site as it is uncovered by our contractors.

“This is an important step in an exciting project for this part of Dovercourt.”

Clearance work is expected to last around two weeks, before the surveys can then get underway to contribute to design work and planning applications. The overall project is due to be completed by Summer 2026.

Joe Watson, of SRC Group, added: “We’re pleased to be a part of this work to regenerate a site in need of some love in Dovercourt, and look forward to clearing the sites ready for future redevelopment.”

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