The Leader of Rochford District Council, Councillor James Newport, updated members of the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee this week (28 January), on the work of the Task & Finish Group dedicated to progressing the regeneration of the Freight House.
The cross-party group, Chaired by Councillor Jo McPherson, have held two meetings so far, along with a site visit earlier this month.
During the November meeting, the Task and Finish Group reviewed results from the broader consultation for the new Cultural and Tourism Strategy, focusing on the Freight House responses. They were presented with the costs for reopening the Freight House on an interim basis, whilst work commences on a longer-term vision for the site.
The Council is currently seeking an industry expert to conduct this feasibility study, aiming to create a sustainable and actionable plan for the Freight House’s comprehensive regeneration. The successful bidder will collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure the proposals align with community aspirations.
This piece of work will see high-level concept plans developed for the Freight House and its surrounding area, including the adjacent green spaces and the reservoir, seeking to create a new destination which could act as an anchor for the wider regeneration of the town centre. The feasibility study and options for future enhancement of the area will be brought to the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee in early summer.
Alongside this strategic study, work is underway to establish the costs to re-open the building on an interim basis, and a request to progress this work will be presented to the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee in March.
Councillor James Newport, Leader of Rochford District Council and Chair of Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee said: “We are in the process of appointing a team of experts to conduct a feasibility study, ensuring any plans for the Freight House are both practical and aligned with our vision for the building and surrounding area.
“This feasibility study will of course include engagement with local stakeholders and the community.
“Once this study is complete, we will present draft plans and estimated costs to a committee in early summer for consideration.
“In the meantime, we will see a report in March coming to Committee proposing essential works to Freight House to allow it to open on an interim basis whilst these longer-term plans are being worked up.
“We understand how much the Freight House means to residents, and we’re committed to making it a cornerstone of our community once again.”
Councillor Jo McPherson, Chair of the Task and Finish Group, added: “The Freight House is a cherished local asset, and our goal is to ensure its future is both vibrant and sustainable. We are committed to working closely with local stakeholders to develop a vision that reflects the community’s aspirations and preserves the site’s significance to Rochford.”