Town leaders have said a £4million revamp of Clacton Pier announced yesterday is a sign of “restored confidence” in the town.

East Anglian Daily Times: Clacton Pier is set to get an overhaul. Picture: ARCHANTClacton Pier is set to get an overhaul. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Clacton Pier yesterday announced it had secured a £4m loan to carry out a transformation, which will make it an all-year-round facility with undercover heated facilities.

The regenerated pier will feature a £500,000 indoor and outdoor adventure golf course, a £500,000 play area, dodgems, new food and drink facilities, aquarium enhancements, amusement arcade and a large events space for winter time.

Work on the multi-million pound project has already begun, and is due to be finished early next year.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring district councillor for the Pier ward, said: “I think this investment is really important to Clacton and Clacton’s tourism industry.

East Anglian Daily Times: Funding of �4m has been secured to carry out the necessary improvements to Clacton Pier. Picture: TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCILFunding of �4m has been secured to carry out the necessary improvements to Clacton Pier. Picture: TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCIL (Image: Archant)

“Firstly it will encourage people to visit Clacton, but secondly it shows that people have got confidence now in Clacton and are willing to invest.

“As a council we have looked at tourism as an industry for the town to pursue, and with people investing money to encourage tourism it is terrific.”

Mr Honeywood said the revamp would have long term benefits for the economy beyond the £4m, with more visitors expected all year round and more jobs set to be created.

The adventure golf and play areas will cover 30,000 square feet with heating, and special landscaping and lighting.

The site will also feature a 1930s art deco inspired decor.

Director Billy Ball said: “This is the biggest single investment in the pier since it was build 147 years ago and it is about taking the attraction to the next level.

“We cannot stand still and have to keep growing and improving the customer experience while staying true to our traditions and heritage as a Victorian pier.

“This is also very much about our own commitment to Clacton and Tendring moving forwards.”

Mr Ball said previously every penny was ploughed back into the large maintenance bills, but confirmed a business model was being produced which would allow the 6.5 acre pier – Europe’s biggest in terms of acreage – to be sustainable.

Rides will remain open throughout the development, with preparation work having already taken place last year.