This will take about 10 minutes to complete and we appreciate you taking the time to do this.

CLICK HERE FOR the survey

If you have any queries, please email info@rravs.org.uk.

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

Don’t Let Criminals Reap Your Harvest
As the busy harvest period kicks off, Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team is warning farmers that criminals are on the lookout for easy targets.  High-value, portable GPS equipment remains the number one target for thieves.
Quick Security Tips:
Lock it away: Remove GPS kits and store them securely out of sight when not in use.
Mark it: Clear and permanent postcode marking makes kits harder for thieves to sell on.
Code it: Always activate PIN security on your GPS units.
Park smart: Keep tractors and combine harvesters hidden from view where possible.
How You Can Help
The Rural Engagement Team works closely with the National Rural Crime Unit, but they need your eyes and ears to make arrests.  If you spot suspicious people or vehicles around farms and machinery:
Report it online: Visit www.essex.police.uk/ro.
What to include: Give as much detail as possible (e.g., vehicle registrations, descriptions, or a What3Words location).
Stay safe: Never confront suspects or put yourself at risk.
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or it’s an emergency.To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111.
For more specialist advice on protecting heavy machinery, visit the Essex Police Rural Crime pages.

Vibrant Village Halls – Coming Soon
Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) has just been awarded a grant of more than £200,000 over 3 years by The National Lottery Community Fund to support its new Vibrant Village Halls project. This will enable RCCE to expand their support for halls and work to secure their long-term future.  To find out more about RCCE’s plans for Vibrant Village Halls please click here.

Funding for Your Local Nature Project
Do you have an idea to improve nature in your community? v The Essex Local Nature Partnership Community Fund is now open, offering grants of £500 to £2,000 to help you bring your plans to life. You could create or restore habitats, improve green spaces, or help more people connect with nature, especially those who need it most. Applications are open to groups, charities and schools across Essex. To find out more and apply please click here.

• Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre: The Council will continue managing the venue directly for now, focusing on cutting costs, boosting income, and exploring long-term operational partnerships.

• Freight House: A two-month extension has been granted to explore a potential Community Asset Transfer with Rochford Town Council and hold deeper discussions with two leading external operators.

Dedicated task groups have been set up to oversee both projects and report back within two months. Residents are also invited to share their thoughts on local services and assets via the upcoming Council Budget Survey opening this month.