Rochford District Council is holding a live online broadcast today, February 12, 2026, to explain new investment plans and changes coming to Rayleigh in Essex. The meeting will give residents and shop owners a chance to hear directly from council leaders about how they plan to spend money on the high street and improve local facilities. This event is part of a larger effort to update the community on the council’s Economic Growth Strategy 2025–2028, which focuses on supporting local shops and making the town centre more attractive to visitors.
Council Leader Cllr Danielle Belton and Cllr Daniel Efde, Chairman of the Economic Development, Regeneration and Tourism Committee, will lead the session, which will cover several projects that affect daily life in the town. One of the main topics is the ongoing £1.6 million upgrade to the Mill Arts and Events Centre, which has now become a central hub for council services. The broadcast will also look at how to encourage more people to visit historic local landmarks such as the Rayleigh Windmill and Rayleigh Mount to help boost the local economy.
A key point of interest for many will be the results of the 30-minute free parking trial that took place between September and November 2025 in council-run car parks. Traders have been keen to see if this trial will be made permanent to help increase the number of shoppers on the high street. The council will also discuss the current fees and charges for local services as they prepare the 2026/27 budget for the coming year.
By using a live stream format, the council aims to make it easier for people to get involved without having to attend a meeting in person. This approach follows recommendations from a Local Government Association review which encouraged the council to be more open and engage more with the public. Viewers will be able to ask questions during the session about issues like parking and how the council plans to support small businesses in Rayleigh through programs like the “Innovate & Elevate” initiative.
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