Seafront regeneration project receives £1.52m

An exciting seafront regeneration plan at Thorney Bay on Canvey Island has just won a £1.52m grant to improve the visitor experience there.

Castle Point Borough Council procured Ingleton Wood to support them with developing and submitting a bid for the cash from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund by drawing up plans for the project.

Now the proposals are to be considered by Castle Point’s planning committee for approval. The innovative designs specify a white Art Deco-style, sleek-curved pavilion, inspired by the Labworth building on Canvey seafront.

The new building will feature three levels and house a kiosk, storage space for local voluntary groups, public toilets and offer a panoramic viewing platform looking out over the Thames Estuary and along the coast.

A pathway along the seafront is to be resurfaced with the introduction of new lighting and the existing car park, near the pavilion’s location and a children’s play area, will be extended to offer further spaces to cope with the expected influx of visitors.

It is just one of 70 projects around the UK’s coastline that will benefit from a £36m windfall designed to encourage tourism, create jobs and promote socio-economic growth.

Max Chapman, the Architectural Lead for Ingleton Wood’s design team, said: “It’s a great spot, really popular with families and ideal for attracting tourism, so we are hoping it will find favour with the planning committee. It was a great project to have a hand in shaping and we are excited to work with Castle Point Borough Council to develop and realise the scheme.”

Should the plans receive the blessing of the council, work would begin after the summer season and complete in time for the following tourism season in 2020.

In announcing the grants, Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, said: “I am determined to support the investment and development of our coastal communities and create an economy that works for everyone as we prepare for Brexit and beyond.

“All of the ambitious projects receiving funding were designed and developed by local people who know what will make the biggest difference to their areas.”