A public consultation has been launched about plans to revitalise a key gateway in Dovercourt as part of an exciting multimillion-pound regeneration programme.

Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on designs for the proposed Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme. This has been developed by Essex County Council, in partnership with Tendring District Council.

The scheme is an important initial phase of a wider programme of regeneration of Dovercourt town centre. The regeneration will help to deliver the vision set out in the Dovercourt Town Centre Masterplan.

It aims to create a more inviting route along Kingsway between Dovercourt Railway Station, the town centre and seafront, and make the town centre an even more attractive place to live, work, shop and visit.

A series of paving, lighting, planting and public realm improvements are proposed along the B1414 Kingsway. The scheme would also create enhanced public spaces outside Dovercourt Railway Station, Harwich Library and around the Queen Victoria statue on Marine Parade.

A new 20mph speed limit is also proposed along Station Road, Kingsway, Marine Parade and adjoining roads to help make the town centre a safer and more pedestrian-friendly place.

The proposed scheme is being funded through the Government’s Capital Regeneration Projects (a sister fund of the Levelling Up Fund) and Essex County Council. Construction is currently expected to begin in summer 2025.

The public consultation opened today (Wednesday 29 November 2023) and will run for seven weeks, closing on Tuesday 16 January 2024.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “The Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme represents an exciting opportunity to kickstart an ambitious programme of regeneration in Dovercourt.

“The scheme will help improve connectivity between key areas of the town centre and highlight its beautiful coastline, helping to enhance the visitor experience, support local businesses and encourage further investment in the area.

“We are very pleased to now be able to share our designs for the scheme and would like feedback from residents, businesses and visitors to help finalise the proposals.”

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of Tendring District Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Significant investment is being made in Harwich and Dovercourt through the Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Projects.

“This not only includes the £4.3million Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme, but also separate proposals to deliver high-quality new housing in the town, and to refurbish Harwich Library and create a new Adult Community Learning skills centre.

“Harwich and Dovercourt has huge potential, and this exciting regeneration programme represents an excellent opportunity to help unlock that potential, boost the local economy and improve the lives of our residents.

“It is fantastic to see the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme progressing and to take another big stride towards seeing our town centre masterplan start to become a reality; building upon our recently completed regeneration of the former Starlings site into the Orwell Place car park and event space.”

As part of the public consultation, the project team are running a drop-in consultation event at Harwich Library in Kingsway from 1pm until 8pm on Tuesday 12 December.

Information about the proposals will be available and people will have the opportunity to view the scheme designs, meet the project team and ask any questions.

If you are unable to attend the event, information and designs will remain on display at the library until the end of the consultation on Tuesday 16 January 2024.

To find out more about the proposals and have your say by completing the consultation survey, please visit: www.essexhighways.org/dovercourt-public-realm-scheme.