PLANS for a £90,000 facelift for Walton’s Millennium Square have been given the green light by council bosses.

The revamp, which will create a year-round space for markets and other events, is aimed at encourage tourism and new shops to the resort.

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.

Tendring Council said the new design includes an open space with attractive seating, landscaping and lighting to encourage visitors to remain in the town for longer, and shelter and electricity for the market and other events.

Nick Turner, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for commercialisation, seafronts and parking, said he was pleased that the scheme could now go ahead.

“The original concept for the Millennium Square was a proven success and the new proposed improvements will build on that, helping to promote Walton and the wider district,” he said.

“Public events help to create and sustain community spirit and cohesion as well as provide opportunities for increasing revenue to local businesses and the local authority.”

The council said the design requires the removal of three large trees at the High Street end of the square, however the trees are not in the best condition and detract from the overall appearance.

Their removal will open the site to create an impression of space and light and will enable the introduction of a visual entrance to the square from the High Street.

There will also be options for year-round market pitches or other uses of the public area that will provide a more effective use of the car parking area.

It is hoped that work will start in the autumn.