Have your say over multi-million pound revamp for Dovercourt

Earlier this year it was announced the town would be getting a £6.6million cash injection focused on town centre improvement projects.

There are three projects included in the Dovercourt plan, including the £3million development of the Milton Road site, the refurbishment of Harwich Library and public realm improvements from Dovercourt railway station to Kingsway.

Residents, businesses and visitors are now being encouraged to have their say on designs for the third project - the proposed Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme, which has been developed by the county council with Tendring Council.

Essex County Council said it aims to create a more inviting route along Kingsway between Dovercourt Railway Station, the town centre and seafront.

There would be a series of paving, lighting, planting and public realm improvements along the B1414 Kingsway.

The scheme would also create enhanced public spaces outside the railway station, Harwich Library and around the Queen Victoria statue on Marine Parade.

Revamp - Dovercourt's railway station (Image: ECC)

A new 20mph speed limit is also proposed along Station Road, Kingsway, Marine Parade and adjoining roads to help make the town centre a safer and more pedestrian-friendly place.

The proposed scheme is being funded through the Government’s Capital Regeneration Projects - a sister fund of the Levelling Up Fund - and Essex County Council.

The consultation into the scheme, which is expected to begin in summer 2025, will run until January 16.

Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “The Dovercourt Public Realm scheme represents an exciting opportunity to kickstart an ambitious programme of regeneration in Dovercourt.

“It will help improve connectivity between key areas of the town centre and highlight its beautiful coastline, helping to enhance the visitor experience, support local businesses and encourage further investment in the area."

“We are very pleased to now be able to share our designs for the scheme and would like feedback from residents, businesses and visitors to help finalise the proposals.”

CGI image - an artist's impression of Marine Parade (Image: ECC)

Councillor Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of Tendring Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Significant investment is being made in Harwich and Dovercourt through the Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Projects.

"This not only includes the £4.3million Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme, but also separate proposals to deliver high-quality new housing in the town, and to refurbish Harwich Library and create a new Adult Community Learning skills centre.

"Harwich and Dovercourt has huge potential, and this exciting regeneration programme represents an excellent opportunity to help unlock that potential, boost the local economy and improve the lives of our residents."

Plans - a map of the Kingsway area (Image: ECC)

“It is fantastic to see the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme progressing and to take another big stride towards seeing our town centre masterplan start to become a reality; building upon our recently completed regeneration of the former Starlings site into the Orwell Place car park and event space.”

As part of the public consultation, the project team are running a drop-in consultation event at Harwich Library in Kingsway from 1pm until 8pm on December 12.

Go to essexhighways.org/dovercourt-public-realm-scheme.