Markets have begun at a new commercial development in Jaywick Sands.
The Sunspot – a £5.3million project made up of 24 commercial units, retail and office space, café and other facilities – opened earlier in the Autumn, but has now seen its first stallholders take up space in the covered market part of the facility, run by Tendring District Council (TDC).
Traders selling a range of goods make up the stallholders, including seafood, cakes, confectionary, glassware and home décor, metal craft and more.
Teddies, soft furnishings and clothing also feature at the market, which is held from 10am to 3pm on Wednesdays.
A special evening Christmas market, featuring a visit from Santa Claus, a choir and the turning on of the Christmas tree lights, is taking place on Friday, 8 December from 6-9pm.
Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said the market was already going from strength to strength.
“There is a rich history of markets and boot sales on the site or nearby, and we wanted to make sure we captured that essence when we developed the Sunspot,” Councillor Henderson said.
“I’m pleased with the strong start the market has made – both in terms of numbers of traders and popularity with shoppers – and I am confident this will continue to grow, particularly as we come round to the warmer months and see visitors holiday in the area.”
All of the commercial units and office spaces in Sunspot have now been let, and the café is also up-and-running, making the site a must-visit part of the community.
For enquiries and to book the meeting rooms, email thesunspot@tendringdc.gov.uk.
The Sunspot project received £2.39million from the Government’s Getting Building Fund administered by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), with an additional £2.04million funding coming from Essex County Council (ECC), and £816,000 from Tendring District Council (TDC); which is also using part of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation for operating costs.
Visit www.sunspotjaywick.co.uk
