A NEW tourist attraction which hopes to bring hundreds of visitors to the district has been unveiled.

The Maldon Saltmarsh Coast Hub was opened in Promenade Park, Maldon, on Friday.

The biggest of five centres across the district, it includes a viewing platform which looks out upon the river Blackwater.

Signs offer information on Viking invasions and the Battle of Maldon as well as the development of Maldon as a market town with a coastal economy.

Dignitaries including Henry Bass, Bob Boyce, Penny Channer and Maldon MP John Whittingdale attended the opening.

The event also celebrated the work of the council’s Dengie Gateway Project, which was launched in 2015 to help boost tourism.

Since its inception it has seen a new visitor website created, the start of the Saltmarsh75 race and an online shop developed.

Richard Holmes, director of customers and community thanked the project team and the many other council staff who have been involved along the way.

He said: “The project now has an ongoing legacy, an exciting brand, solid online presence and quality public realm and signage that can form the template for the whole district.”

Councillor Penny Channer, chairman of planning and licensing, said “We are very proud of the work achieved through the Dengie Gateway Project.

“Tourism is a key driver for our local economy and the council is working to create opportunities for further growth and prosperity.

“Projects such as the Dengie Gateway Project seek to capitalise on the district assets, while promoting coastal access and healthy living.”

Council chairman Henry Bass said: “Maldon District is a great place to visit; we want the Maldon district to stand out from the crowd, with its fantastic mix of heritage, wildlife, independent shopping and coastal connections.

“Its location was specifically chosen to look out from the park to lesser discovered areas.”