THE major redevelopment of Canvey’s seafront is set to move forward after Castle Point Council approved the release of £200,000 from its reserves to fund the project.

It means a planning application will soon be submitted detailing the overhaul plans, which would turn the seafront into a modern coastal resort.

The council cash will be used alongside a £1.5million government grant to get the project off the ground.

Excitement surrounded the council chamber as councillors discussed contributing the additional funds - with those involved keen to see work start.

Councillor Colin MacLean said: “I was at the bay over the weekend for the raft race, more than a thousand people there, the seafront really is a credit to the island.

“We must make this happen.”

Fellow councillor Jeffrey Stanley insisted the council should not hesitate in contributing funds.

He said: “It is really good that we managed to get the money out of the government and it is perfectly right that Castle Point Council should play its part and add some money to the plans.

“You can spend £1.7million, you can spend £2million, the more money you spend the better the facilities will be and the more people will enjoy them.”

Council leader Norman Smith previously told the Echo work could start as early as January next year.

Plans for the seafront include a larger public car park at Thorney Bay, a estuary-facing pavilion which will include public toilets, a kiosk, storage space for volunteers and a elaborate viewing terrace.

There would also be funding for improvements to pathways, between the car park and the pavilion, and seafront improvements to the footpaths by the seawall from Thorney Bay to Labworth Central including improved surfacing as well as the additional lighting and outdoor taps and public information boards.

As a result of the meeting, the cabinet authorised the inclusion of the project in the capital programmes across 2019/20 and 2020/21 at a total value of £1,722,033.

The total costs include the £1.5million Coastal Communities Grant and the £200,000 from the council’s general reserves.

The cabinet also gave permission for the development to progress and for a full planning application to be lodged.