Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme: Scheme update

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we progress with construction of the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme. The project represents a significant investment in Dovercourt and is a crucial phase of a wider £9 million town centre regeneration programme.

We recognise the works have caused some inconvenience, and we are doing our best to minimise the impacts as much as possible. Unfortunately, it is impossible to avoid causing any disruption with major works of this nature, however, we are doing everything we can to carefully balance completing the scheme safely and as quickly as possible with minimising the impacts on our residents and businesses.

The scheduling of any major project is always very difficult, and we were keen to get construction underway and completed as soon as possible. Constructing smaller sections of Kingsway at a time would have extended the overall programme and made the scheme undeliverable. By constructing larger sections on one side of Kingsway at a time, we are able to deliver the scheme more quickly and reduce the overall period of disruption.

To enable our works to be completed safely and to support the safe operation of the temporary one-way system, it was necessary to temporarily suspend parking along Kingsway. To help mitigate the loss of parking, Tendring District Council extended its Householder Parking Permit scheme for Orwell Place Car Park during the summer, when it is usually suspended, making it easier for people to park in the town centre. As a reminder, the scheme allows residents to park for free in the car park between 11am and midnight. Anyone who does not have a permit can apply for one online at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/householder-parking-permit or by calling 01255 686969.

It is also possible to park along the seafront on Marine Parade, where there are no restrictions, and Tendring District Council has granted contractors M Group permission to use the vacant Milton Road car park site for material storage to help free up more car parking spaces in the town centre. In addition, M Group will look to open up additional parking spaces along Kingsway as areas of the scheme are completed, wherever it is safe and practical to do so.

We have made significant progress with the scheme since construction started in June, with the first half of paving works on the eastern side (library side) of Kingsway now substantially complete. We plan to add benches, litter bins and new trees later in the project. The works have now switched to the western side (J D Wetherspoon side) of Kingsway. Work will also take place over the coming months to create enhanced public spaces outside Dovercourt Railway Station and Harwich Library.

M Group continue to liaise with businesses and will do everything they can to help accommodate deliveries. Businesses are encouraged to speak to the construction team on site to make arrangements and notify them of any specific requirements. Signs are in place throughout the scheme area to make it clear that businesses are open as normal and access to shops will be retained throughout the works.

Tendring District Council recently visited businesses, along with its partners Colbea, and provided access to free, expert advice through the Tendring Business Support programme. This support remains available and if you would like more information, please visit www.colbea.co.uk/support-your-business/tendring-business-support. Through two phases of the High Street Accelerator funding, which is administered by Tendring District Council and a forum of local partners, 32 businesses have been supported with grants worth more than £87,000 to improve their shops.

M Group and their subcontractors are working very hard to accommodate everyone’s needs while completing the scheme as quickly as possible. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the winter. Once finished, the improvements will help revitalise the town centre, support the local economy and make Dovercourt an even better place to live, work, shop and visit.

Unfortunately, there have been some instances of our workforce being abused, both online and on site. This is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our workers are doing their best to deliver the scheme and should not have to endure abuse when simply doing their jobs. We are taking this matter very seriously and will be installing CCTV on site. If the situation continues, we will take the strongest possible action.

If you have any specific questions or concerns about the project, we encourage you to attend one of our regular drop-in events and speak to a member of the project team. The events are held at Harwich Library between 10am and 12noon on the first and third Monday of each month. Alternatively, you can email us at: dovercourtpublicrealm@essexhighways.org

For more information about the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme, please visit: www.essexhighways.org/dovercourt-public-realm-scheme

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we complete the project.

This update has also been sent by post to residents and businesses in the vicinity of the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme