The Tendring district has a “bright future” ahead of it.

That’s the message from Tendring District Council (TDC) Leader Mark Stephenson, who delivered the annual State of the Tendring speech at a meeting of the full council last night (Tuesday, 25 March).

With more than £60million of regeneration projects lined up in Clacton, Jaywick and Dovercourt, and the council in a strong financial position, Councillor Stephenson said Tendring is in good shape to face the future.

Councillor Stephenson said: “Tendring is changing. Not just in the projects we see taking shape in our towns, or the new homes rising from the ground, but in the way we govern, the way we grow, and the way we shape our communities for future generations.

“The last year has been one of real progress. Across our district, cranes are on the horizon, investments are turning into action, and long-discussed plans are becoming reality.”

During his speech, Councillor Stephenson highlighted the council’s achievements over the past year, including the successful completion of the Spendells House project, converting a former sheltered housing block in Walton-on-the-Naze into 32 flats for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and the Honeycroft project, creating 13 new single-storey homes for older residents in Lawford.

Councillor Stephenson added that one of the top priorities for the coming year continues to be the delivery of a series of government-funded initiatives, which he said were “not just about investment, but about restoring civic pride”.

They include the transformation of the Carnarvon House site and Clacton Library, creating modern homes, vibrant mixed-use communities, and state-of-the-art facilities, alongside the Community Regeneration Partnership with the Government, delivering £20million of projects to regenerate Clacton and Jaywick Sands. The council is also pushing ahead with plans to revamp Dovercourt’s outdated Milton Road Car Park and create homes on a derelict site in Victoria Street.

“All of this is happening now, not years away, not aspirational plans gathering dust, but real, tangible progress and that is something this council can be proud of,” added Councillor Stephenson.

“Already, interim projects are making a real difference. Empty shops in Clacton town centre have been revitalised with creative window displays, brightening up the area and fostering a renewed sense of civic pride. This is just the beginning.”

Councillor Stephenson thanked council staff for making a positive impact on the lives of residents and for embracing opportunities in the face of challenges, including a review of the council’s Local Plan, budget pressures and the coming Local Government Reorganisation.

“This council has always risen to the challenges before it,” he said.

“Now, we face perhaps our biggest challenge yet with Local Government Reorganisation.

“The question is not whether change will come, but how we ensure that Tendring emerges stronger.

“I am grateful for the cross-party support in the Chief Executive and me to ensure that we, as a council, are in the best possible position to make sure Tendring’s voice is heard.

“One of the most immediate steps in this journey is our Community Governance Review, exploring the creation of a town council for the unparished areas of Clacton, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick Sands.

“This is about ensuring that local voices remain at the centre of decision-making, because whatever comes next, our duty is to the people of Tendring.

“Tendring has a proud history, but more importantly, it has a bright future.

“We have built a legacy of delivery, of strong financial management, of embracing innovation and opportunity.

“We have shown time and again that we can rise to the challenges before us, and as we face the future, we do so with confidence.”