Council leaders have been left delighted after the Government approved almost £20million of funding for a series of exciting projects in Clacton and Jaywick Sands.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has entered into a new Community Regeneration Partnership with the Government after the authority was awarded £19.7million by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help regenerate the town.

The council’s Cabinet is now set to approve a list of projects at a meeting on Friday, 20 December. The projects include:

• £3million to help redevelop Clacton Leisure Centre into a new Active Wellbeing Centre to provide sustainable sports facilities and integrated health and wellbeing services, and an outdoor facility on the site

• £2million for the NHS to contribute towards building a new urgent treatment centre and primary care facility at Clacton Hospital

• Working with Essex County Council on a £2.5million scheme to expand the Tudor Fields to Jaywick Sands walking and cycling route, which could also serve as an evacuation route

• £5million for acquiring and repurposing a disused town centre building for community and cultural use

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of TDC and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said the projects were part of wider plans to improve Clacton’s future.

“We are excited by this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Clacton and Jaywick Sands,” he said.

"These initiatives aim to make the most of the money on offer to create a brighter future for our area.

“Our projects aim to harness culture and tourism on the Essex Sunshine Coast to regenerate the town and provide more opportunities and for our residents.

“We are also working with partners, such as Essex County Council and the NHS, on some amazing schemes to improve skills, health and wellbeing while other projects will enhance the town centre, refresh shopfronts, and improve public spaces.

“These initiatives align perfectly with Our Vision to raise aspirations, foster economic growth, champion our environment, and promote our heritage, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.”

Alex Norris, Local Growth Minister at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, added: “Our £20million Community Regeneration Partnership is brilliant news for Clacton and Jaywick Sands.

“This funding is a real vote of confidence for the community and will improve key services for local people.

"I look forward to seeing the funding put to use, boosting tourism, encouraging local growth and supporting health and wellbeing initiatives, including the redevelopment of Clacton Leisure Centre.”

The council’s Cabinet is also set to approve the start of work on the first wave of projects, which includes those that can be delivered swiftly as they will not require working with partners, as well as £100,000 to create a cultural masterplan for the town centre.

The first set of projects include:

• £500,000 for a seafront art and community micro venue on Clacton seafront

• £500,000 to improve tired shopfronts in Jaywick Sands and Clacton

• £210,000 to provide three new community transport mini-buses

• £200,000 to expand the work of the Jaywick Sands Healthy Homes initiative, which will help towards the acquisition of derelict and long-term vacant sites

The second wave of projects is set to be brought to Cabinet for approval in early 2025.

They include £500,000 to repurpose an underused Napoleonic-era Martello Tower fort in Clacton into an events or culture venue, and £500,000 to enhance open spaces in Jaywick Sands, including new play equipment.

The third wave of projects in 2025/6 is set to include the Active Wellbeing Centre study, the town centre building scheme and a £150,000 project for solar panels at Jaywick Sands’ Sunspot Centre.

The fourth set of projects include the Tudor Fields walking route, £1.3million for improvements to Clacton town centre street furniture, £230,000 for upgrading and improving bus stops and shelters on bus routes and £200,000 for equipment and furniture for the skills centre in the proposed revamped Clacton Hub and library.

The Community Regeneration Partnership projects are separate to the £20million Government grant for the proposed Clacton Civic Quarter project, which is set to include the Clacton Hub and library, up to 28 modern homes, a vibrant mixed-use civic and community space, creative workspaces, and a replacement High Street car park.