There has been a real energy around the Changing Tides Coastal Centre in Greatstone since its opening earlier this year.
Residents have been settling into their beach huts and sampling delicious Reynolds Ice Cream at the new attraction on Coast Drive, which also has public toilets and a remodelled car park.
A seasonal watersports centre with access to showers, changing facilities and an education/training room is also planned.
Jane Baxter, from Hythe, is just one of the beach hut tenants to be making themselves at home. She said: “The recent improvements to the area have made a noticeable difference. It really is a fantastic place to spend time with friends and family – the grandchildren absolutely love playing down here.”
Another, Steve Murton, added: “We are really pleased with our beach hut and have already made a few friends. The facilities are very clean and accessible. The setting is peaceful and a perfect area for walking Jasper, our golden retriever.”
Solar panels, a green roof system and suitable planting all form part of the development, while information boards highlighting the importance of the area as a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest will also be installed.
Details on how to rent the last remaining beach huts can be found on the council’s website.
Eugenie Reynolds from Reynolds Ice Cream welcomes the strong start to Changing Tides Coastal Centre having opened their concession in June. He said: “We’re delighted to have opened at Changing Tides and are really excited about its future.
“Having lived in New Romney for the past 33 years, we feel very much part of this wonderful community. The support of local people has helped make us who we are today, and New Romney will always be very close to our hearts.
“We’re looking forward to creating a welcoming place with lots of social events and activities that bring the whole community together.”
The scheme was funded by Folkestone & Hythe District Council with the support of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority through Nuclear Restoration Services.
Cllr Connor McConville, Cabinet Member for Assets and Local Government Reorganisation, said: “This project provides a major boost to the local economy and will help actively support and promote the Romney Marsh for years to come.”
Nuclear Restoration Services, which oversees the decommissioning of the former Dungeness nuclear power station, is part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group. The NDA group invests around £15million each year in projects that enable permanent and sustainable change in its site communities.
Jamie Reed, Director of Socio-Economics at the NDA, added: “The Changing Tides Coastal Centre is a fantastic addition to Greatstone, bringing new energy to the seafront while supporting local businesses, residents and visitors.
“It is great to see the facilities already being enjoyed, and we are proud to have supported a project that will benefit the community and the wider Romney Marsh for years to come.”