Clacton Library

Community

Clacton Town Centre regeneration work begins

21 March 2024

Work has begun to develop a new multi-use community hub in Clacton Town Centre.

The new multi-storey building will sit at the site of the current Clacton Library. The hub will house a brand-new library, local registration services and an Adult Community Learning Centre. It will also include a space for the University of Essex's new Centre for Coastal Communities.

Essex County Council has contributed £7.9 million for the regeneration. This is in addition to the £3.1 million already allocated from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

This is a significant project for the council, the town and most importantly, its residents. It is an opportunity to level up a priority area in our county, working in partnership with Tendring District Council and supported by the government. The community hub will bring together key services and offers something for everyone in the local area to benefit from.

Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy

The redevelopment of the site will visually improve the local area. It will create a welcoming environment for people arriving by car or train. It will also give residents a bespoke learning and skills centre, offering accessible opportunities for residents to gain qualifications and local employment.

Earlier this year the council formally committed to delivering the project alongside Tendring District Council. The community hub will kickstart regeneration projects in Clacton as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Partnership and Long-Term Plan for Towns initiatives, bringing millions of pounds of investment into the town.

The council’s Essex Housing team is leading delivery of the project and design team Saunders Architects have been appointed. Later this year a public consultation will be held on the design proposals.

This is a hugely exciting project, which will help to raise aspirations and teach new skills for generations to come, as well as regenerating part of the town centre – part of a wide-range of initiatives to improve quality of life in Clacton.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Tendring District Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism

Residents will be kept informed on the progress of the works.

Temporary arrangements will be made for Clacton Library users when construction begins. At present the Library remains open.