WALTON’S Millennium Square could be in line for a £90,000 facelift in a bid to encourage tourism and new shops to the resort.

Regeneration bosses have announced plans for the revamp in a bid to create a year-round space for markets and other events.

Millennium Square, which covers part of the Tendring Council-run High Street car park, was created in 2000 to provide a meeting place for visitors and a focal point for events.

The original design was for a shared public area, which would be used mainly for car parking and for local events when needed.

But Tendring Council says the compromise did not meet either ambitions and the new proposal will create a more attractive public area in the heart of the town centre.

The works will see improvements to the car park, as well as a new pedestrian entrance archway from High Street and a new permanent, year-round public area.

The market space would be smaller, but would be covered with a temporary canopy. Ten parking spaces would be lost.

A report says: “Increased housing development in the immediate area, increasing numbers of holidays taken in the UK, including weekend as well as day trips afford a genuine opportunity for Walton High Street to find ways to encourage and attract new business.

“This proposal will help provide a year-round stimulus for local businesses as well as a means to enhance the summer visitor economy.

“A relatively low-level investment in the regeneration of this important part of the High Street will enhance and improve the quality of life of residents as well helping to shape future investment in the local High Street and wider visitor economy of the area.”

Further improvements to the site could include public display screens, an open-air theatre, cinema and live performances.

It was originally estimated the works would cost £150,000, but the council hopes to reduce the overall size of the area and use its staff for groundwork, construction and landscaping.

Tendring Council’s cabinet will discuss the plans on Friday