Rochford District Council is inviting community organisations, cultural groups and social enterprises to put forward ideas for the future of the Freight House, one of Rochford’s best-known buildings, located next to Rochford Station. They are looking for an experienced, ambitious tenant to bring the building fully back into use and establish it as a vibrant, sustainable community space.

What’s needed from applicants:

• Strong management and decision-making arrangements.
• A plan to run the building responsibly under the terms of a lease.
• Proposals that support wider cultural, economic and social activity in Rochford.
• A commitment to keeping the space open and accessible to a wide range of people.
• A clear approach to protecting and improving the Freight House as a community asset.
• Evidence the project can operate without ongoing Council funding, including realistic income, costs and risk management.

How it could work
The Council welcome different delivery approaches, including a single organisation running the whole building, a main tenant working with smaller tenants, partnerships, phased approaches, or a shared model. They recognise there may be early-stage risks—please set out any support or transition arrangements you would need.

Subject to the Council completing investment works and preparation to reopen the whole building, the aim is to have a tenant in place from September 2026. In parallel, the Council is exploring the potential transfer of the building to Rochford Parish Council to hold it for the future; if this goes ahead, the successful tenant will be expected to work with the Parish Council.

Key dates:

• Expression of Interest opens: 30 April 2026
• Submission deadline: 14 June 2026

For full details, application pack, timeline and instructions on how to submit, visit: www.rochford.gov.uk/TheFreightHouse