£20 million Pride in Place funding confirmed for Canvey Island

The investment follows extensive engagement with residents, schools, youth groups, community organisations and local partners which shaped the Regeneration Plan.  

Steve Bish, Chair of the Canvey Island Neighbourhood Board said: “Pride in Place is all about local voices shaping local change. The Neighbourhood Board has listened carefully to residents across the island and their priorities are reflected in every part of our plan. This confirmation of funding allows us to move forward with improvements that matter to the whole community.”

Key investment priorities
The Regeneration Plan highlights 10 investment areas shaped directly by resident feedback. Among the most significant for early delivery are:

Canvey Lake, park and playground
Enhancing the lake environment, improving access and restoring surrounding parkland to create a more inviting space for families and visitors.

Splash park and seafront Improvements
Upgrades to the waterfront, including heritage enhancements and activity based improvements to support tourism, leisure and wellbeing.

Community facilities
Investment in key community buildings and neighbourhood facilities to support events, local groups and multi use community activity. 

Town centre revitalisation
Enhancing the High Street, market spaces and shopfronts to create a more vibrant and attractive town centre for residents and businesses. 

Local community projects and groups
Funding to empower grassroots organisations, support youth activity, strengthen community cohesion and promote healthier lifestyles. 

Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council said “This investment marks a major and positive milestone for Canvey Island. Our community has been clear about what matters most — safer neighbourhoods, a stronger town centre, better youth and community facilities and improvements that make Canvey an even better place to live and visit. This long term funding puts residents’ priorities at the heart of regeneration, and we look forward to working hand in hand with the community and our partners to deliver projects that will make a lasting difference.”

The Neighbourhood Board will continue to work closely with residents at every stage of delivery. Community input will shape the project programme and local priorities throughout the 10 year programme ensuring the funding delivers visible improvements that reflect what matters most to Canvey Island. 

Dame Rebecca Harris, Member of Parliament for Castle Point said: “This is really positive news. Canvey residents were concerned that we may lose the £20 million awarded back in 2024 but this is confirmation that the grant is back on track and going to be used to improve lives on the Island.”

The first tranche of funding will now be released enabling early activity on projects that are ready to progress. The Neighbourhood Board will provide regular public updates as work begins across the island.