A BOATING lake is looking for a new owner who can give the tourist attraction a new lease of life.

Tendring Council, which owns the lake in Marine Parade, Dovercourt, is searching for an entrepreneur to take the facility over and help improve its image.

Potential owners have until October 15 to lodge their interest, with the lease and pleasure boat hire concession up for grabs for either seven or 14 years.

Stephen Mayzes, Tendring’s cabinet member for leisure, said the lake should play a significant role in the seafront regeneration.

He said: “We are looking for someone to come forward who will bring it up to a high standard, meet our aspirations and appeal to residents and visitors alike.

“We have advertised for initial expressions of interest, and the aim is to award the contract in March, in time for the new season.

“We are excited to see people’s ideas.

“Clacton has seen far too much investment on its leisure facilities and this is the council putting its money where its mouth is by investing in Dovercourt.

“This has been an area of neglect for many years and it is time that we focus on regenerating this wonderful beauty spot.”

Tendring Council will be replacing the old boathouse it demolished earlier this year, and hopes a joint proposal between the council and new tenant will help conclude work by March 2011.

For further information call 01255 686339 or e-mail jhiggins@tendringdc.gov.uk Applications must be made in writing to the Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton, C015 1SE, by 4pm on October 15.