THE transformation of Canvey’s seafront could be done by 2021 in what is being hailed as a “significant step forward” for the seafront masterplan.

Members of Castle Point Council’s cabinet are set to meet tomorrow to review a timeline of the proposed masterplan to develop the seafront into a modern holiday destination.

Councillor Ray Howard, chair of the coastal communities seafront team, said the report is a promising sign for the plans.

He added: “We put in our bid to try and secure £1.2 million in funding and I think the fact we’ve been asked for a full plan means we’ve got a good chance. The timeline marks a significant step forward for us and will hopefully help us win the funding and build on all the good work groups like Canvey Bay Watch and Friends of Concord Beach have been doing.

“We just want to get on with it now and submit the plan.”

The plan includes a new car park by merging the one in Labworth Green with one close to the Welcome Hut on the Eastern Esplanade and investing in new attractions that will encourage visitors throughout the year.

The council also wants to modernise facilities on Thorney Bay including building new public toilets, a retail kiosk and making improvements to the sea wall.

By the end of the 2018/19 financial year in April, the council wants to commission architects to develop a brand for the seafront, produce blueprints for the new car park and detailed designs for the Labworth Plaza, Thorney Bay Pavilion and the Labworth Green Northern Gateway.

Through the 2019/20 financial year, the Thorney Bay Pavilion will be developed, subject to planning approval, as well as the building of the new Labworth car park and new toilets on Labworth Green.

Planning permission will also be sought for a new overspill car park off Western Esplanade to improve the access between Labworth Green and the seawall, and produce a business case for developing Labworth Plaza, followed by a planning application.

In 2021, the council hopes an improved footpath and landward side of the seawall between Thorney Bay and Concord Beach will be installed, along with proposals for the northern gateway.

Work is expected to begin in October 2019 but this will depend on whether the council are successful in a bid for government funding under the Coastal Communities Fund.