Two Dovercourt eyesores to be demolished but 'essential' car park kept

Tendring Council (TDC) has acquired the derelict sites, in Victoria Street, and now plans to put new housing on the land.

The scheme is part of the wider government-funded Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Project taking place in the town which had included proposals to put housing on the Milton Road car park.

Dangerous - The land and property around Victoria Street, Dovercourt, was deemed dangerous by Tendring Council and attracted anti-social behaviour (Image: Submitted)

But following a request from the council – supported by MP Sir Bernard Jenkin – the Milton Road site will now remain as a car park, with the housing element of the project instead being placed in Victoria Street, subject to planning permission.

The £9 million Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Project received £6.7million in funding from the government’s Levelling Up Fund – with the rest provided by TDC and Essex County Council.

It will see road and public realm improvements along Kingsway, a revamp of the town’s library and new Adult Community Learning provision within it, and now new housing in Victoria Street and an overhaul of the Milton Road car park.

Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of the council and councillor responsible for economic growth, regeneration and tourism, said the revised scheme allowed a further part of Dovercourt to be improved.

“This change means we can tackle yet another key project from the Dovercourt Revisited masterplan and transform an eyesore site into much-needed housing – while keeping the Milton Road car park,” Mr Henderson said.

Inspiration - The new Orwell Place car park has served as inspiration to keep the Milton Road car park (Image: Steve Brading)

“While we have boosted parking in the town recently with the opening of the Orwell Place car park on the former Starlings site, the success of events has highlighted a need to keep at least some parking on Milton Road too.

“Our thanks go to Sir Bernard for his support in amending our proposals, without which the government would not have considered our request.”

Sir Bernard, MP for Harwich and North East Essex, added his delight that the scheme had been altered.

He said: “This change allows an additional part of Dovercourt to be revitalised; removing eyesores, providing much-needed housing, and keeping car parking close to town centre shops and businesses, this is a win-win-win.

“That is why I was more than happy to support this amendment and give my full support to this exciting programme of work from TDC and Essex County Council to upgrade the fantastic beating heart of Dovercourt.”

A core requirement of the Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Project is the provision of new housing as part of the scheme.

Work is already underway on some elements – with a first round of public consultation already held for the Kingsway public realm improvements – and the entire project is due for completion in 2026.

An update on the project, along with the Levelling Up projects in Clacton, will be discussed at TDC’s Cabinet during its meeting on Friday, May 24.