Plans to create a new cultural venue in Clacton have taken a step forward with the submission of proposals to transform three seafront buildings.
Tendring District Council (TDC) has applied to make significant changes to disused public conveniences, a storage hut and curved shelter close to the Garden of Remembrance.
The proposals aim to improve the appearance of the buildings and make them useable for a future tenant ideally in the creative and cultural sector. TDC has requested a broad range of potential use classes, enabling different types of businesses to express interest in taking over the site.
Over the last few weeks, a consultation has been ongoing asking residents, businesses and members of Clacton’s creative community to share their ideas and priorities for the buildings. This included a successful pop-up engagement event at the nearby Martello Lounge.
Councillor Gary Scott, Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Heritage said: “The submission of these plans marks a major milestone in this exciting project.
“It has been fantastic to see so many getting involved in the consultation. I enjoyed speaking to attendees at the pop-up event, hearing their opinions and priorities for the buildings and how they would like to see them used to enhance Clacton’s creative offering.
“There is still time to submit your views online and help shape the future of this site – we’d love to hear from you.”
The planning application also includes plans to reconfigure the layout of the Beach Patrol office on the lower promenade.
A decision on whether permission is granted is expected later this year. The full planning application can be viewed here.
This project is part of the Community Regeneration Partnership – a £20million investment programme from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government aimed at revitalising Clacton and Jaywick Sands.
Click here to have your say on what you’d like to see the building used for.