Colchester News
EU cash to help revamp Hythe and boost tourism
2:00pm Friday 30th July 2010
SMALL floating docks will soon dot the River Colne after Colchester Council won European funding to help regenerate the Hythe.
More than £400,000 will be spent on building pontoons at King Edward Quay to try to regenerate an area which was once the engine driving Colchester’s economy.
Council chiefs hope it will attract more residents, particularly those moving into homes being built nearby, to come to the once-neglected quayside and relax, go fishing or even try out kayaking or canoeing.
The aim is also to attract more boats on to the River Colne and bring more tourists to the area.
Laura Welham, the council’s regeneration spokeswoman, said the aim was to make the quay more welcoming for residents and tourists alike.
Lyn Barton, councillor responsible for regeneration, said she was delighted European funding had been obtained for the Hythe.
She added: “It is an excellent location which is rich in heritage.
“The pontoons will enable small boats to be moored and other waterside activities to take place, so more people will be able to enjoy the area.
“These plans will continue the excellent redevelopment work the council has completed to revive the area at Hythe Quay and Hythe train station.”
The quay has been improved in recent years with new paving, benches and other work aimed at making it more attractive.
The council was awarded £210,000 from the European Regional Development Fund, which has been matched from other sources, totalling about £423,800 under current Euro conversion rates.
Mrs Barton added the council was ahead of the game in seeking funding from Europe, with sources of funding in the UK beginning to dry up.