A seaside village that has historically been described as the “most deprived” in the country has had its fortunes turned around with a new market – and more development is to come.
Jaywick Sands has found itself labelled the most deprived area in the country multiple years in a row, with an image of it even used in a Trumpian campaign in the US as a symbol of degradation.
But a new £5million market represents a ray of sunshine for the holiday destination.
Named Sunspot, the market is regularly “packed”, the independent vice-chairman of Tendring District Council, Dan Casey, told Express.co.uk.
He is hopeful for things to improve even further with a massive £120 million investment.
“This market is a great development,” Mr Casey said.
“It’s wonderful, I’ve just been there and it was completely packed. That sort of thing can really help.”
The new market provides offices and workshops, plus a cafe, training rooms and a hall for markets and events. Built as though resembling the waves it faces, the new market boasts a very distinct angular look.
Hana Loftus of HAT Projects, which designed the building, said the idea was to create something “robust and playful, but not too grand”.
The Guardian reported that within a month of the market’s opening in September 2023, 23 out of its 24 units were rented out, with the help of low and flexible rents. Businesses include a barber shop, a maker of specialist school uniforms, a multimedia artist and an asset finance company.
Mr Casey said he “loved” Jaywick and has lived there for 23 years – but recognised that the area faces issues.
“There’s no industry in Jaywick,” he said. “It’s a holiday town, that’s the thing. All the homes are second homes.”
More is on the horizon as the UK’s levelling-up fund means £120million is projected to be invested into the area over the next ten years.
It’s good news for the village – but Mr Casey remained sceptical that they will see all the money.
He said: “It’s a ten year plan. We’ve got a general election coming up though, so who knows what will happen then.
“After HS2, we’re a bit worried that the money won’t actually come through.”
He said he was unable to give specific detail about where the funds will be spent, but insisted “there are big things planned, if all goes well”.
It has been reported that the funding is primarily focused on stopping the village falling into the sea. Weak flood defences and rising sea levels could lead to it disappearing in years to come.
Part of the regeneration will go into replacing derelict houses with new and improved homes that are resilient to flooding, as well as developing new flood defences and improving public amenities like parks, streets, transport links and drainage systems.
Ten flood-resilient homes have already been built in Lotus Way, with a target to build 100 more.
Tendring District Council has launched a consultation for locals over the proposals. The project is estimated to take 20 years to finish.
