The Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme, a key part of a wider £9 million town centre regeneration programme, is progressing with significant investment in Dovercourt. Essex Highways, on behalf of Essex County Council, M Group, and Tendring District Council, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the works but emphasised efforts to minimise disruption and complete the project safely and swiftly.
The project is being completed in larger sections to expedite the overall timeline. To ensure safety and manage the temporary one-way system on Kingsway, parking has been temporarily suspended. Tendring District Council has extended its Householder Parking Permit scheme for Orwell Place Car Park during the summer to help mitigate the loss of parking, allowing residents free parking between 11am and midnight. Additional parking is available on Marine Parade, and the vacant Milton Road car park is being used by contractors M Group for material storage.
Substantial progress has been made since construction began in June, with paving works on the eastern side of Kingsway nearing completion. The project will later include the addition of benches, litter bins, and new trees. Works have now shifted to the western side of Kingsway, with further enhancements planned near Dovercourt Railway Station and Harwich Library.
Businesses are encouraged to liaise with the construction team on site regarding deliveries and specific requirements. Signage is in place to assure customers that businesses remain open. Tendring District Council, in partnership with Colbea, has offered free expert advice through the Tendring Business Support programme. Additionally, 32 businesses have received grants totalling over £87,000 through the High Street Accelerator funding.
M Group and its subcontractors are working to accommodate needs while aiming for completion in the winter. The completed improvements are expected to revitalise the town centre, support the local economy, and enhance Dovercourt as a place to live, work, shop, and visit.
The communication also addressed instances of abuse directed at the workforce, stating it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. CCTV will be installed on site, and strong action will be taken if the abuse continues. Residents with questions or concerns are invited to attend drop-in events at Harwich Library on the first and third Monday of each month between 10am and 12noon, or can email dovercourtpublicrealm@essexhighways.org.
