RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on a possible �200million redevelopment of Harwich. The multi-million pound scheme for the town's Navyard is set to be one of the largest projects to take place in the Tendring district in modern times.

James Hore

RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on a possible �200million redevelopment of Harwich.

The multi-million pound scheme for the town's Navyard is set to be one of the largest projects to take place in the Tendring district in modern times.

The project could generate about �200million of inward investment to the port town with proposals that include a marina, retail, hotel, houses and apartments along with commercial use.

Architects Gaunt Francis have prepared a development brief following on from the Harwich Masterplan to regenerate what is seen as an important area of the town.

Tendring District Council's regeneration company, INTend, along with Gaunt Francis, are now inviting anyone interested in the scheme to attend a special consultation day in Harwich later this month.

Les Double, INTend's area board director for Harwich, said it was an exciting project for the town.

“It needs to be a sustainable development which is integrated with the Old Town of Harwich.

“We are only too aware that there will be many views out there and I am urging people to get involved in this consultation exercise at the very outset.

“It is important that people come along and discuss these proposals and put their own views across,” he said.

There are no artists' impressions of the proposals publicly available yet, but the possible changes include -

n Space for a market, which could be shared with Dovercourt.

n New sailing club facilities for the town's existing club.

n Support services for the marina, such as a chandlery and yacht brokerage.

n A new multi-storey car park to replace the existing arrangement.

n Improved public open spaces and the re-siting of the Treadwheel crane to the waterfront area.

Mr Double said the meeting would be the first stage of the consultation for the redevelopment of the site and more would follow.

He said: “The whole idea is to attract a developer to come forward and submit a planning application in about a year to 18 months time.

“However, now is the time to be in at the beginning of the whole process.”

The consultation event is being staged in the Samuel Pepys Room, Trinity House, The Quay, Harwich, on April 21 from noon to 8pm.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk