Construction is progressing on the re-development work of the Starlings site in Dovercourt.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is using the site of the former Starlings garage and Queens Head Hotel, which burnt down a number of years ago, to create a new public space in the town between Milton Road and Orwell Road.

The plans include a 51-space car park, public toilets, and landscaping. The design will allow the site to be used as an event space, providing capacity in the town centre for one-off events such as a Christmas market or travelling fair.

Now ‘topping out’ – reaching the highest point of construction – has been achieved on the public toilet building being constructed on the site.

Mary Newton, TDC Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Growth, said it was pleasing to see the project coming along.

“This is an important project for Dovercourt, turning an eyesore site into something the town can use, and most importantly, be proud of,” Councillor Newton said.

“The toilets, car park and event space will all be assets for the local community, and for visitors to the town, and I am delighted we have reached this milestone. I can’t wait to see the project finished.”

Some of the funding for the Starlings project comes from TDC’s allocation from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Gipping Construction is carrying out the works on behalf of TDC/ Work had been scheduled for completion last year, but due to unforeseen issues with ground contamination at the site construction had to be delayed. The project is now expected to be completed in late Spring 2023.

TDC purchased the Starlings site at the end of 2020 after complex negotiations and cleared the site. The car park will replace the adjacent Milton Road car park, with separate work being carried out to establish the best use for that site.

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