Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

The Clacton Seafront Coastal Feasibility Brief

Contents

1. Introduction & Purpose of the Brief

2. Context & Background

3. Requirements of the Commission

4. Selection Process

5. Documentation

Appendices – web link; www.tendringdc.gov.uk

1. Study Area

2. Celebrate on Sea; Clacton seafront vision

3. Link to Local Plan;

4. Economic Strategy for Tendring 2013

5. Tendring Tourism Strategy

6. Tendring’s Beach Hut Strategy

7. Asset Mapping (attached)

1. Introduction and Purpose of the Brief

PLEASE NOTE: ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS ONLY DIRECT TO: tenderbox3@tendringdc.gov.uk and marked ‘CLACTON SEAFRONT COASTAL BRIEF’

Deadline for receipt of your full submissions (not expressions of interest) is midday 4th August 2014 and must be sent to our locked email address tenderbox3@tendringdc.gov.uk. Submissions will only be accepted by this method and before the deadline.

As this email address will remain locked until after the deadline please direct any queries to slooker@tendringdc.gov.uk

There is a receipt limit of 20 megabytes per email on the Council email system. The onus is on you, the responder, to ensure that emails are received by us. For large files you may like to send zip files up to 20 meg per email or file downloads.

The Council does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any submission.

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

1. Introduction and Purpose of the Brief Tendring District Council (hereinafter known as the Council) has recently secured £36M for a coastal defence project from Clacton Pier to Holland Haven. The works will result in a 5km stretch of new sandy beach along this seafront replacing the existing defences. The Council has recently procured and engaged contractors to undertake these works and the project will commence in July 2014 and is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2015. The project will compromise 22 fishtail groynes and one terminal groyne and along this stretch, the beach will be no more than three feet below the promenade, rather than the existing drop of 10+ feet in a number of places. The Council has always stated that this ‘is more than just a coastal defence scheme’ and wishes to engage consultants to undertake a feasibility study and provide associated supporting information to explore the potential that the 22 new beaches might provide. Our ambition is to deliver a ‘string of pearls’ concept along this coast with a destination facility at the Holland Haven end. Proposals are invited for the preparation of a commercially focused feasibility study for this stretch of coastline. The Study area is outlined in Appendix 1.

This brief will need to:

• Consider opportunities along this stretch of coastline that will increase visitor and resident footfall and be deliverable in terms of commercial viability. This to include tourism, leisure and appropriate enhancements, that in 10 years’ time, would result in Clacton being recognised as a distinctive, quality destination.

• Evaluate income opportunities to deliver on the Council’s requirement to raise an annual sum of £150K towards beach recharge requirements and consider revenue raising opportunities in excess of this sum.

• Put together funding proposals that will consider the potential for drawing down external funding consistent with the identified projects and provide a funding stream for any identified public realm enhancement works.

• Identify potential investors/end users and joint venture partners.

• Develop an investment prospectus for the study area that will allow the Council to promote and market the identified opportunities.

• Evaluate the job opportunities associated with key projects. • Undertake an Economic Impact Assessment in respect of

the proposals.

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

• Create sustainable year round jobs, including creative apprenticeship schemes associated with the coastal defence works.

It is intended that the proposals should specifically seek to increase footfall along this untapped section of seafront, stimulate private sector investment and generate an income stream for the Council, which needs to fund a beach recharge costing £1.5m every 10 years. The Council is also seeking to generate income over and above the recharge money to support a programme of other seafront enhancements and activities.

In tandem with the coastal defence project, the Council wishes to examine the economic potential of this section of the coastline and the associated opportunities for viable, commercial activity. As part of this commission the Council would require consultants to undertake an economic impact assessment with regard to the project proposals that are identified within the feasibility study, clearly demonstrating the economic outcomes anticipated and the likely return on investment. The feasibility study and economic impact assessment must be sufficiently robust to enable the Council (and its partners) to make, with confidence, strategic and project investment decisions that will lead to physical development in key locations along this stretch of coast.

This brief has been produced for the guidance of potential consultants. It covers:

- Context and background

- The planning policy background

- The economic development and tourism strategies

- Council’s assets

- The requirements of the commission

- The selection process 2. Context and Background

The District of Tendring is located in the north-east of Essex. The District has a long coastline, stretching for around 60km from Brightlingsea to Manningtree, with the east of the District facing to the North Sea and the north to the River Stour. To the west and northwest, Tendring is bordered by the river Colne, Colchester Borough and Babergh District. 2.1 Strategic location of Clacton

Clacton is the primary population and economic centre of the District. Since its Victorian heyday Clacton on Sea has been famous as a place for fun, entertainment and relaxation but

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

changes in the tourism market and declining visitor numbers has meant that the image of the town has changed. In 2010 the Council commissioned a piece of work, Celebrate on Sea, to look at the central core of Clacton’s tourism offer, focused on the Pier/Pavilion area (Pier Gap Gateway) and the connectivity and links to the town centre. (Appendix 2.) Some of the works identified in the document which started the process of reinventing Clacton as a 21st century seaside destination have now been completed. As a result there has been some leisure investment and a new hotel is being built on the seafront, but further investment is still required.

The new opportunity afforded by the coastal defence works is seen as having the potential to attract a different target market and augment the existing offer. The Council’s adopted tourism strategy identifies the need to diversify the area’s offer and considers activity and themed breaks as well as improving the quality and appeal of the area.

The length of coastline from the Pier to Holland Haven is untapped in terms of tourism potential and currently yields a low footfall with limited facilities and opportunities to spend.

2.2 Planning Policy Context (see also Appendix 3 for further detail on specific policies associated with this coastal strip and its hinterland and background to the Local Development Order being sought to cover this area)

With over 60 kilometres of coastline, the Tendring District contains a number of areas that are under threat from tidal flooding and coastal erosion. The Tendring coastline is included within the Essex and South Suffolk Shoreline Management Plan which was prepared in partnership between the Environment Agency, Essex County Council and District Councils. Parts of Holland Haven have Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status and are protected under the provisions of English law contained in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Council is currently in the process of reviewing its Local Plan to ensure conformity with national planning policy and has set up a dedicated Local Plan Committee to oversee this process. The intention is to publish ‘preferred options’ for consultation in early 2015 and final ‘pre-submission’ consultation in mid-2015 with submission to the Secretary of State by the end of 2015 and examination and adoption in 2016. The Council would want the findings of the feasibility to study to inform the content of the new version of the Local Plan and for the policies, designations and proposals in the plan to reflect or support, appropriately, the opportunities identified in the study. The Council currently has an adopted Local Plan from 2007 and an emerging draft Local Plan from 2012, which was amended further in 2014, but both currently carry a limited degree of weight in policy areas where they do not conform with current national policy. The

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

current Local Plan review will seek to rectify this issue. Notably, paragraph 114 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local authorities to “maintain the character of the undeveloped coast, protecting and enhancing its distinctive landscapes, particularly in areas defined as Heritage Coast, and to improve public access to and enjoyment of the coast”. The stretch of coast subject of the feasibility study is not ‘Heritage Coast’ but the current adopted and emerging Local Plan include a ‘coastal protection belt’ policy which relates mainly to minimising landscape impact but that, along with other elements of the Local Plan, is under review. Within the Coastal Protection Belt, the Council will seek to protect the open character of the undeveloped coastline and avoid development in vulnerable coastal areas by refusing planning permission for developments that do not have a compelling functional or critical operational requirement to be located there. If an applicant can demonstrate a compelling functional or critical operational need for the development, the Council will have regard to the latest Shoreline Management Plan, an established policy, to ensure:

a) the development will be safe over its planned lifetime and will not have an unacceptable impact on coastal change; b) the character of the coast will not be compromised; c) the development provides wider sustainability benefits such as facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy the coast or funding for coastal defences; and

d) the development would not hinder the creation and maintenance of a continuous signed route around the coast.

2.3 The Economic Development and Tourism Strategies The Council adopted an Economic Strategy (EDS) for the District in 2013 (Appendix 4). The Strategy looks at the Tendring District overall but in terms of Clacton recognises the importance of the visitor economy and specifically the opportunities that the Coastal scheme might bring to the district. Describing it as a ‘…once in a generation opportunity to re-think a significant proportion of Tendring’s coastline and provide a significant uplift in the visitor experience. The investment needs to be complemented by a higher quality visitor offer, serving Essex and the wider South East. In 10 years’ time, Clacton should aspire to be recognised as a distinctive, quality destination by a broad range of visitor groups’. The EDS also refers to the associated opportunity to create significant local training, employment and apprenticeship opportunities to allow for the potential to realise long lasting economic benefits.

The Council’s Tourism Strategy (Appendix 5) covers 5 priority themes. This includes the desire to deliver ‘New tourism attractions and leisure facilities, restaurants, cafes, small retail units and other visitor facilities. The overall aspiration is to develop new products which appeal to higher spending visitors, deliver an improved reputation and extend the season.

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

2.4 The Council’s Assets

The Council owns the freehold of all of the land between the road and the sea along this stretch of coastline. This includes a number of built assets including kiosks, public conveniences and deck chair stations, some of which are in active use and others redundant. There are also 400 plus existing beach huts which currently provide an important income stream to the Council via annual beach hut licence fees. The Council’s Beach Hut strategy (Appendix 6) has 6 key priorities including a requirement to improve the product, range and number of beach huts. Along the study area are a number of opportunities for new build and possibly new designs. The feasibility study needs to consider these opportunities in terms of both new income streams and where these might best be located to complement the other outcomes of this study.

In addition there are two sailing clubs and one boating club in buildings along this stretch of coastline. A review of the opportunities associated with these buildings and functions needs to be undertaken as part of this study. The golden nugget of the study area is considered by the client team to be the area of land known as Holland Haven. This comprises over 40 hectares of SSSI land. Part of this area (11.75 Hectares) is owned by the Council and is known as Holland Haven Country Park. It is currently used for parking, recreational activities and by local dog walkers. The opportunity to create some form of

destination leisure/tourism attraction or facility is a critical outcome of this brief.

The Council’s asset mapping is attached at Appendix 7

2.5 Consultation

As part of this brief, consultants are required to describe their approach to consultation with key stakeholders.

3 Requirements of the commission and presentation of the

findings

The coastal defence scheme is recognised as a once in a lifetime opportunity for Clacton to enhance its tourism and leisure offer on the back of protecting local homes and communities.

The next step is to undertake a comprehensive review of opportunities that have been assessed for commercial viability and deliverability that could deliver on the Council’s wider Economic Development and Tourism ambitions.

The Council is effectively looking for a masterplan for this area which includes a phased approach to development.

Consultants are required to deliver the following:

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

A: Options appraisal for development opportunities

A phased plan along the study area for deliverable and viable leisure and tourism opportunities is to be presented to the Client Team in the form of proposals and headline concepts (e.g. general principles). This should also include an explanation of the rationale behind the proposals and an analysis of their various strengths and weaknesses, along with an explanation where the stakeholder discussions and/or appraisal process has brought about aspirations that cannot for whatever reason be included within the proposed schemes (e.g. because of timescales or economic viability issues). It is therefore expected that consideration will also be given to topographical and engineering issues pertinent to the study area (desktop only). Utilities and general access issues etc. also need to be considered as part of this brief.

This must be accompanied by a delivery strategy which should address funding proposals that will evaluate the potential for drawing down external funding consistent with the identified projects. These need to be quantified in terms of chances of success.

The end documentation should also include an evaluation of potential investors/end users and joint venture partners as well as an investment prospectus for this stretch of coastline that will allow the Council to promote and market the identified opportunities.

Individual elements of the scheme must also be evaluated for their potential to create job opportunities as well as their potential to derive revenue income for the Council.

Proposals must be soft market tested with potential end users to assess market appetite and the end document must provide mechanisms for bringing the proposal to market in a form that will maximise the potential for success.

Consultants are required to liaise with the Planning policy team.

B: Economic Impact Assessment

The consultants will be required to submit an economic impact assessment covering relevant project proposals within the study area demonstrating the economic benefits or outcomes from the projects and the projected return on investment.

4. Selection Process

Proposals are invited for the feasibility study in accordance with the specification of requirements.

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

5 Cost and Quality Assessment Criteria ASSESSMENT CRITERIA %

A clear understanding and interpretation of the tasks identified within the Specification of Requirements.

10

Robustness and suitability of the proposed approach/methodology.

10

Relevant knowledge, skills and experience of the team and experience within the team of undertaking (successfully) similar commissions.

10

Proven track record of delivering high quality work in the preparation of Feasibility Studies and Economic Impact Assessments and evidence of bringing originality and freshness of approach to this type of work.

10

Management proposals for sub-contractors and suppliers. 5

Suitability of the proposed project management and quality control arrangements.

5

Cost 50

6 Documentation

All submissions should include an executive summary. Applicants must provide 6 copies of their proposal, which should include:

• Understanding of issues and timeline for completion • Proposed approach and detailed work programme • Breakdown of days for each stage in the project and

breakdown of costs. • Details of any subcontract proposal • Practice skills, team CV’s and costed work allocation • Evidence of appropriate insurance including professional

indemnity • Details of experience in similar projects and referees who

may be contacted • Confirmation of availability of named contact to attend

presentation and interview.

Indicative Timetable for Selection

Closing date for receipt of submissions: 4th August 2014 Review of submissions/shortlisting completed: 6th August 2014 Interviews and presentations: 14th August 2014 Award of contract: Mid-August Inception meeting: TBA Timescales for completion of the commission

Commission to be completed by mid/end November

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Consultants Brief – Preparation of Feasibility Study

Clacton Seafront Coastal Scheme

2014

Fees and Indicative Budget Consultants are required to submit a fixed fee bid for this commission of between £25k and £50k inclusive of all disbursements and expenses and a minimum of 10% contingency. The fee will be exclusive of VAT. No price fluctuations will be allowed unless previously agreed in writing with the Council. Project Management This project has been initiated by Tendring District Council in partnership with others. The client team will require an inception meeting and one further meeting to discuss the preferred options and agree a preferred option(s) to progress at a time to be agreed at the inception meeting. In addition to these meetings, close co-ordination between the Council and the selected contractor is considered essential for the efficient, satisfactory and timely completion of the project.

Skills and Experience

It is likely that a consortium approach will be necessary to fulfil the requirements of this contract, but the lead service provider will be responsible to the Client team for all sub-contractors.

The make-up of the team will be for the consultants to define, but it is envisaged that skills and experience in the areas that are consistent with this brief to complete the works to the Council’s satisfaction.

TDC’S CONTRACTUAL PROCESS

The successful contractor will be obliged to adhere to the Council’s terms and conditions of contract, which will be issued once the selection has been made.

APPENDICES - attached

App 3 – Planning Restrictions

App 7 – Asset Maps

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The restrictions that may or may not be relevant appear to be: • The Clacton Seafront Conservation Area which includes the beach, promenade and seafront buildings all the way up to St. Pauls Road; • The Protected Open Space including the greenswards, the triangle of land at Anglefield, ‘the Gardens’, the front of Eastcliff Playing Field, the land between Lyndhurst Road and Hazlemere Road, land next to York Road Car Park, land at Brighton Road, • The Local Wildlife Site (LoWS) on the cliff-side between Lancaster Gardens East and First Avenue – description: “This section of sea-front scrubby grassland is of interest due to the presence of nationally notable maritime species: Shrubby Seablite (Suaeda vera) and Golden Samphire (Inula crithmoides). Other species include Common Sea-lavender (Limonium vulgare), Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum), Sea Couch (Elymus pycnanthus), Buck's-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and Wild Carrot (Daucus carota). Scrub is represented by Tamarisk (Tamarix gallica), Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.).Curved Sea Hard-grass (Parapholis incurva) and Rock Sea-lavender (Limonium binervosum) have been recorded from here in the past. Clacton North Cliff is also an important site for invertebrates especially Coleoptera and Hymenoptera species, including the Small Velvet-ant (Smicromyrme rufipes), the solitary wasp (Ectemnius sexcinctus), and the beetles Opatrum sabulosum, Cassida nobilis and Podagrica fuscicornis. • Holland Brook SSSI ; and • Holland Haven Local Nature Reserve.