Council plans £600K revamp of historic community centre
Freight House in Rochford will see a major revamp
Last updated 12th Nov 2025
A council is set to spend almost £600,000 on a historic and “much-loved” Essex community centre, to fully reopen the building to the community. Rochford District Council is planning the major investment at Freight House in Rochford in a bid to create a civic and cultural hub, and boost footfall to the town.
It comes after the council agreed to pay £100,000 for “essential works” on the centre earlier this year. The building was then leased out to events company Design Cabin CIC.
The building was shut for several years but it re-opened in July, with the events firm running the site for the council. Now the council is planning to extend the interim licence with Design Cabin CIC until February 2026.
The major revamp plans include roof works, lighting upgrades, a new heating system, sustainability enhancements, building management system, fire door upgrades, external landscaping upgrades and water tank upgrades.
The Freight House was built by the railway in 1889 to handle goods being transported to and from the busy market town. It served as a storage and distribution point for items like tea.
The council’s economic development, regeneration and tourism committee will discuss the plans on November 13. The meeting documents state: “The Freight House regeneration project is expected to positively contribute to the health and wellbeing of Rochford residents by providing a safe, inclusive space for social, cultural, and community activities.
“The re-opening of the building will support mental wellbeing through opportunities for connection, volunteering, and participation in events. The proposed works include fire safety upgrades, improved lighting, and external landscaping, which will enhance the safety and usability of the site. The project also supports community resilience by enabling programming that addresses social needs, such as food insecurity and isolation, particularly for vulnerable and ageing populations. These improvements align with the council’s broader objectives to foster healthier, safer, and more connected communities.”