A town centre improvement project has successfully attracted millions of pounds in Government funding.

The government has revealed which areas have been successful in bidding to the Levelling Up Fund – including Tendring.

Tendring District Council (TDC) with partners had submitted a bid for almost £20million for Clacton town centre projects – which proved successful.

Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, said the announcement was fantastic news for the area.

“This is another tremendous success for this council and for Clacton,” Councillor Stock said.

“We have been working extremely hard with our partners over a long period of time to improve Clacton town centre; but there is only so much that is possible with limited resources available. This funding announcement is an absolute game-changer, and we should all be feeling very proud right now.

“With this considerable sum of money, we can make significant infrastructure changes for the benefit of everyone – whether they live or work there, visit, or own a business.

“It was pleasing to hear that the government considered our bid for a Clacton Civic Quarter as a strong application, and my thanks go to officers for preparing it.”

Clacton’s Levelling Up Fund bid centred on the site of Carnarvon House and the town library to create a new library and learning space, café, a community and commercial building and 28 homes, along with improvements to the multi-storey car park. It was the second time of submitting the bid, with positive feedback from Whitehall officials after the first round encouraging and informing the second.

Work has already begun to demolish Carnarvon House in preparation for this project.

Councillor Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, added: “This funding will boost the Clacton town centre economy, enhancing the area for residents and visitors alike.

“Essex County Council is committed to our own Levelling Up Strategy, in which Tendring is one of our six priority areas, and we look forward to working with Tendring District Council to bring these plans to fruition.”

For more information about the project visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/clactonluf.

A second bid, for £6.6million for Dovercourt town centre, was not successful. In addition, Essex County Council’s transport bid for £18million was also unsuccessful.

Councillor Stock added: “It is disappointing that our bid for Dovercourt was not taken forward by the government, but we will continue to seek other funding for these projects, as well as looking to see if there are elements we can deliver ourselves, working with our local partners.”

TDC has also had £1.18million of funding spread across three years approved under the Shared Prosperity Fund, which includes an allocation to support town centre improvement works.