A regeneration vision for the Pier Ward of Clacton has been developed which takes a holistic approach by identifying and tackling both physical and social economic regeneration of the area to reinvent and reposition Clacton as a dynamic new area for job and housing growth.

Scope of the Project

Funding will focus on the seafront area of Clacton and in particular:

• Pier Avenue (South) - upgrade of streetscape by replacing existing slab and interlocking red and grey blockwork carriageway, cast iron edge of carriageway bollards, mismatched street furniture, building mounted and column mounted old street lighting all to be replaced.
• Co-ordinated materials will be used matching those already successfully employed in adjacent key areas of the town.
• Traffic movements will be restricted to delivery vehicles and taxis only between 10am and 4pm to ensure pedestrian priority is provided.
• Marine Parade/Pier Avenue/Pier Gap Gateway - to connect the town centre with the seafront and deliver this area as a 21st Century gateway.

Aim of the Project

• Revitalised town centre
• Seafront quarter and sustainable pier - capitalising on Clacton's greatest asset and linking the town centre with the seafront.
• Ensuring young people have the opportunity to be more engaged.
• Create positive relationships and community cohesion between the older and younger generations of the town.
• Increase economic activity in the town.
• Enable skills improvement locally and develop a culture of lifelong learning.
• Facilitate the development of a more healthy community
• Develop a long term response to the high no of HMO's and bedsits to create more cohesive community.

Outcome of the Project

• Increase in employment rate
• Increase in GVA per capita
• Meet housing completions and affordable housing completion targets.
• Carbon reduction through proposed alternative energy centre at the seafront.
• Improve quality of life for residents
• Access to natural green space and reducing congestion.

Status

Funding 2009/10 £580,000

Funding for 2010/11 £43,000

IDP Package: Coastal Towns

Status as at 31 December 2009

• Preparation works completed.
• Outline design, topographical surveys, identification of options for Pier Gap/Marine Parade junction completed.
• Signal and approvals submitted
• Project out to tender.

Status as at 31 March 2010

• Contract documents prepared.
• Traffic signal design modifications ordered.
• Consultation contract documents prepared.
• Lamp columns order placed.
• EDF works ordered.
• Design concept for Pier Gap Gateway commissioned.

Status as at 30 June 2010

• Contractor appointed and commenced pre-construction period.
• Lighting scheme brought forward and contract let.

 Status as at 30 September 2010

• Good progress being made with some slabbing, kerbing bollard and sockets for lamp columns completed.
• Carriageway completed up to and including base course.
• New surface water gulleys installed and connected to sewer with new pipe work.
• Central carriageway feature section excavated and base completed in preparation for granite block work.