Construction set to start on Dovercourt regeneration schemes this spring
Public realm schemes part of a wider multi-million pound regeneration programme.
Work on two complementary schemes to improve Dovercourt town centre are set to get underway this spring.
The £2.39 million Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme involves a series of improvements between the seafront and Dovercourt Railway Station and has been developed by Essex County Council.
An additional £500k worth of enhancements will be brought to the area via the Dovercourt High Street Accelerator Green Spaces scheme, which is run by a forum of local partners and supported by Tendring District Council (TDC).
Both are part of the multimillion-pound Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Programme which includes the recent refurbishment of Harwich Library, a new car park in Milton Road and new council homes in Victoria Street.
The library reopened in October following a £1.16 million transformation. This included a new space for Adult Community Learning (ACL) and community events.
The Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme includes a series of paving, planting and improvements along the B1414 Kingsway.
Enhanced public spaces will be created outside Dovercourt Railway Station and Harwich Library. A new 20mph speed limit will also help make the town centre safer and pedestrian-friendly.
The High Street Accelerator Green Spaces scheme will focus on driving footfall from the seafront to the town centre, improving accessibility, and making open areas feel more attractive. Wayfinding hoardings are already in place at the top of Orwell Road.
Formal decisions to award contracts for the construction of both projects are expected to be made shortly. Subject to required approvals and agreements, construction on both projects are anticipated to start this spring. The High Street Accelerator work will conclude by the summer, with the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme is a vital part of our joint plans to kickstart an ambitious programme of regeneration in the area.
“Together with the recent refurbishment of Harwich Library, it will revitalise the town centre, support local residents and businesses, and encourage further investment in the area.”
Councillor Mark Platt, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “I am delighted this important project is moving forwards and look forward to seeing construction get underway soon.
“The scheme will create a more inviting route along Kingsway for people walking between the station and seafront. It will help to make the town centre an even more attractive place to live, work, shop and visit.
“I would like to reassure people that we will be working closely with the contractor to minimise any disruption and inconvenience for residents, businesses and the local market during the works.”
Dovercourt Town Centre High Street Accelerator Partnership Chairman Paul Milsom added: “The town has a beautiful beach and the wonderful Cliff Park nearby and we hope to create a better connection between these wonderful open spaces and the nearby shopping area, with his scheme, encouraging more visitors into our High Street and boosting the economy.”
Councillor Ivan Henderson, Tendring District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The High Street Accelerator scheme has already had a huge impact to the town, and this second phase will provide a host of additional improvements.
“Like residents, businesses and visitors to the town centre, I am excited to see work start on both of these schemes.”
Following surveys and site investigations, some parts of the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme in the Marine Parade area have been changed. This is because of ground and cliff conditions. The improvements in that area will now be focused on the Kingsway side of the Marine Parade junction.
Statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultations will be undertaken soon. These will reduce speed limits and make small changes to existing waiting and loading restrictions as part of the scheme.
For more information about the scheme, please visit
This is the second phase of the Dovercourt High Street Accelerator project which has already provided improvements to shopfronts in the area, upgraded CCTV and more.
For more information about the High Street Accelerator project visit