Exciting plans have been submitted for a major overhaul of an outdated town centre car park in Dovercourt.
Tendring District Council (TDC) has submitted a planning application to replace the disused car park structure in Milton Road, which is at the end of its life, with 23 parking spaces.
The plans also include two accessible parking bays, cycle parking and landscaping, along with decorative railings that have been designed with the help of local heritage groups, referencing the town’s well-loved Leading Lights.
The proposals were welcomed at a recent public event at Community Voluntary Services Tendring’s (CVST) Harwich and Dovercourt Hub, with residents complimenting how revised designs responded to comments made at an earlier consultation in the summer.
The project is part of a wider £9million revamp of Dovercourt town centre after TDC successfully secured £6.7million of government funding. The rest of the money is being provided by TDC and Essex County Council.
The overall scheme will also see road and public realm improvements from Dovercourt railway station to Kingsway and the refurbishment of the town’s library to include Adult Community Learning, led by Essex County Council.
The TDC-led parts of the scheme include the Milton Road car park and plans for Victoria Street, where the council is looking to regenerate two derelict sites with eight council homes.
The plans for homes will form part of a separate planning application.
Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “I’m delighted that plans have now been submitted for this exciting scheme, which will help to regenerate an unloved site in our town centre.
“The existing car park is beyond its useful life and has been closed since the opening of the Orwell Place Car Park and events space last year.
“Demolishing the disused structure and bringing the lower level of the car park back into use will help to boost town centre trade and improve the appearance of the area.
“It will also provide additional parking in Dovercourt, in particular on market days and when Orwell Place is used as an events space.
“The overall project will see significant investment in the town, will help to attract visitors and shoppers and enable our residents to take even greater pride in where they live.”
A decision on the plans is expected to be made by Tendring District Council’s Planning Committee early next year.
