The historic Dovercourt area of Harwich is undergoing a major regeneration at the hands of a team from Ryebridge.
The seaside resort, which dates back to at least 1000AD, was the location for the filming of BBCTV sitcom Hi-De-Hi, and is celebrated for its sand and shingle beaches.
Ryebridge has been engaged to regenerate Dovercourt town centre by enhancing the public realm and green spaces, increasing footfall and connecting the area to the seaside, and generally improving residents’ quality of life and civic pride.
The 10-week project consists of improvements to walkways and access to Marine Parade - including resurfacing pavements, replacing worn steps, adding ornamental decorative custom brass elements and lettering, solar powered lighting posts and enhanced up-lighting to the underpass.
The street level railings are to be overhauled and decorated and the Queen Victoria memorial statue is to get a wash and brush-up.
Further afield the street view is to be enhanced with circular planters and additional public seating strategically placed at Station Plaza, Orwell Road green space, Mill Lane North, and to various shop frontages to the High Street, Cliff Road and Kingsway frontages.
Ryebridge’s contract is being funded by Tendring District Council and their partners, and will be complemented by additional works to be carried out by Essex County Council from Station Plaza to Station Lane and Station Road.
As part of Ryebridge’s commitment to social value, we will recruit a local apprentice through our partnership with Essex Employment and Skills Board, who will be mentored by contracts manager Don Wall and gain hands-on experience in civil engineering.
We will also offer two work experience placements to students from Harwich and Dovercourt High School, coordinated via the Essex Provider Hub.
We will prioritise local suppliers for materials and services, including landscaping and electrical works. Our procurement team has identified vendors within a 15-mile radius of Dovercourt, and 65 per cent of our subcontractor spend will be from within the Tendring district.
Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “This is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into this much-loved family seaside resort, giving it a well-deserved makeover to ensure it remains a popular destination for many generations to come.
“We hope that by successfully delivering this project on time and within budget will be the first step towards developing a long-term relationship with Tendring District Council and Essex County Council.”
