RESIDENTS have welcomed £1million plans to improve Clacton’s historic seafront pavilion, including a new children’s water park.

The Clacton Pavilion was the jewel in the resort’s crown in its heyday and it has seen a much needed overhaul in recent years thanks to £3million of investment.

Now owner Billy Peak wants to spent a further £1million on a third phase of development.

The plans include a water park as part of a new outdoor family play area, aimed at the under-13s.

Mr Peake is still in talks with specialist companies over the design of the park, which could include small water slides and water cannons.

There will also be new allweather undercover facilities, as well as a revamped adventure golf facility, cafe and terrace, but the existing dated food court will be demolished. Part of the former public toilets on the seafront will be reopened, having closed ten years ago.

The Pavilion building will also be extended to the east.

Pavilion boss Billy Peak said: “It is a landmark building for Clacton, but we have kept the historic parts and expanded on it.

"This is our vision for the future of the Pavilion site, especially the creation for more undercover facilities that Clacton hasn’t got."

Mr Peak said the plans would see the creation of 22 full time equivalent jobs – bringing the total number of jobs at the site to 40 full time and 30 part time.

An exhibition of the plans took place at Armstrong’s restaurant, at the Pavilion, on Friday. The blueprints were also submitted to Tendring Council on Friday and bosses hope a decision will be made early in the new year.