Plans have been submitted for homes, a new town centre car park and a vibrant mixed-use community space as part of an exciting new Civic Quarter in Clacton.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has made an application to transform the former Carnarvon House site and existing car park site, in Carnarvon Road, with 28 modern homes and the mixed-use civic and community space, complete with creative workspaces.

The plans also include a brand-new High Street car park, ensuring no loss of parking spaces from the current provision.

The projects are a part of a pivotal £30million town centre regeneration initiative, following a successful bid by TDC and its partners to the Government.

The ambitious vision encompasses the redevelopment of current Clacton Library site, led by Essex County Council, which will form part of a separate planning application.

The refurbished library will feature state-of-the-art learning spaces, an Adult Community Learning Centre, local registration services, and space for the University of Essex’s new Centre for Coastal Communities and the Clacton Local History Society Museum.

Plans for the TDC-led elements of the scheme, including the homes at Carnarvon Terrace and the new car park, have now been submitted.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “This ground-breaking development is set to revolutionise a key site in the heart of Clacton.

“The designs, which have been revised following invaluable community feedback from consultations earlier this year, ensure the project aligns with the needs of our residents.

“It will breathe new life into an outdated part of our town centre, creating modern homes, a dynamic mixed-use space and innovative workspaces, all while dramatically enhancing the area's appearance.

“This project is a cornerstone of our bold vision for Clacton, delivering new homes, business opportunities, and community spaces that will greatly enhance the quality of life for our residents.

“It will also create exciting opportunities, raise aspirations, and empower our residents to take even greater pride in where they live.”

The plans have been shaped following extensive public engagement and consultation with key feedback highlighting the importance of improving feelings of safety on the site and the need for high-quality housing for the town centre while residents were also enthusiastic about the proposed planting, which will bring biodiversity and nature to the town centre.

The new homes will achieve high levels of sustainability by using modern designs and efficient new technologies, such as heat pumps, to substantially reduce energy consumption.

Work is also underway to develop a strategy for the civic spaces ahead of the planned completion in 2027. Organisations interested in using the spaces should contact regeneration@tendringdc.gov.uk.

For more details on the updated designs and planning application, visit the project page on the council’s website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/luf-blocks/clacton-civic-quarter.

A decision on the plans is expected to be made by Tendring District Council’s Planning Committee next year.

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