Canvey Island residents invited to help shape £20 million investment plan
Residents across Canvey Island are invited to take part in a programme of community engagement designed to help shape a £20 million investment in the island’s future.
The funding, awarded through the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, will be guided by a Neighbourhood Board made up of local business leaders, community organisations, Castle Point Borough Council, Essex County Council, the NHS, Essex Police and the local MP.
One of their first tasks is to develop a 10-year Regeneration Plan, due for submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) in November and they want local voices to be at the very heart of it.
To kickstart the conversation, a pop-up exhibition and activity space will open opposite Peacocks at the Knightswick Centre from 10am to 4pm 27 October to 1 November. Produced and led by local artists, the space will offer a vibrant, interactive setting where residents can explore ideas, vote on priorities and share their vision for Canvey Island’s future. All ages are welcome and there is no need to prebook.
In addition to the pop-up exhibition, four other engagement strands are underway: youth engagement through clubs and services; schools and sports partnerships to hear the views of young people; business consultation with local businesses and voluntary sector outreach.
Kate Willard OBE, Interim Chair of the Board said: “This £20 million investment is led by the community, for the community. I would encourage residents to come along and be a part of shaping Canvey Island’s future.”
Councillor Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council said: “I’ve lived on Canvey all my life so I know how passionate people are about this place. This funding gives us a real chance to make things better for everyone, so I hope residents will come along, have their say and help us build a future we can all be proud of.”
