The Site
The current library site is owned by Essex County Council and was acquired from the Clacton Urban District Council in 1961. It is located in a prime position, directly opposite the railway station on the corner of two key routes towards the beach and the pier. The existing library is to be demolished and a new, more impressive and sustainable building will provide a home for the Library, Registration Services, Adult Community Learning and partners including the University of Essex. The new library will form part of the future regeneration of Clacton and will create a statement at this key gateway into the town centre.
In Summer 2022, Tendring District Council (TDC) in partnership with Essex County Council (ECC) submitted a bid for Government funding to provide a new community building to support the regeneration aspirations for Clacton Town Centre. Funding via the Government’s Levelling Up programme was confirmed in January 2023. One of the key objectives of the project is to create a landmark building and gateway to the town that will both support the regeneration of the Town Centre as well as provide a welcoming space for people to access a range of opportunities.
The Design Team have submitted an application for the new building to Essex County Council as the Local Planning Authority. We anticipate that a decision on the application should be reached by Spring 2025. Should the project receive planning consent, the project team will look at next steps, including the procurement of a Contractor for the scheme. The project is expected to start on site later in 2025
Architects’ illustrations of proposed building
