Bexhill Seafront Proposals FAQ
| Published: 3rd September 2008 12:40 |
Rother District Council has recently published proposals for comprehensive regeneration of the Bexhill seafront, pulling together several corporate priority projects.
Bexhill's seafront is an important part of what makes the town special to both residents and visitors alike. The "Next Wave" project has been developed in recognition of the seafront's distinct character and identity, and the need to make the most of this unique asset as part of a wider regeneration strategy for the town.
Further information about the project, including the dates of a public exhibition and consultation, is available on the Council's website at http://www.rother.gov.uk/ . Meanwhile the Council has prepared a series of Frequently Asked Questions to help address a number of issues:
"Next Wave" - Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the project cost and will my Council Tax be increased to pay for it?
The total cost is estimated at £5.1 m. It will be funded in part by a combination of external funding, developer contributions, money already committed by RDC for car-park maintenance and the remainder will come from the Council's reserves. It is anticipated that the units let within the Colonnade will generate a return on this investment.
Council Tax will not be increased to fund the Next Wave project.
What types of usage do you envisage in the Colonnade?
Our intention is for a ‘honey pot' of café's, bars and restaurants providing a quality offer for locals and visitors. We are carrying out a marketing exercise on the Colonnade for expressions of interest in the units. However, if there is no interest at this time, the Council will naturally need to review its options.
What about a cycleway along the seafront?
The provision of a cycleway along Bexhill Seafront is the responsibility of East Sussex County Council, and we are presently awaiting their latest proposals.
Will car-parking spaces be lost?
- No, there is no intention to reduce the total number of car-parking spaces in the De La Warr car-park and Marina Court Avenue area.
- I don't want Bexhill Seafront to lose its charm and special character.
- Neither do we! That's why the Next Wave project is all about retaining what's best about the Seafront at the moment, including its heritage and character, and improving those bits that presently let it down.
- What happens to the putting green and the crazy golf?
- We're inviting comments at the exhibition as to what you think should happen on this area of grass - the Next Wave proposals allow for the crazy golf and putting green to remain in their present use, if that's what people want.
I don't like the design of the new shelters.
The new shelter designs presented are only indicative of a more fun and contemporary approach to replace the poor late twentieth century ones on West Parade. For more information on how we might progress with designs for these new shelters, please see the more detailed panel in the exhibition. We do not intend to replace any of the Edwardian shelters.
What about the existing memorial benches along the Promenade and the Wishing Well and Human Sundial?
We are very much aware that these are sensitive issues, compounded by the varying ages and state of repair of the existing benches. We are presently in the process of contacting, as far as possible, those families who have donated benches, to look at relocating memorial plaques onto new street furniture. Similarly, to help create a cohesive vision for the seafront in terms of design, landscape, street furniture and public art it is proposed to remove the Wishing Well and the Human Sundial. However, we may work with local groups to incorporate new pieces of public art into the proposals.
What about the Rowing Club?
- We have held discussions with the Rowing Club throughout the development of the seafront proposals, and they are very excited about the proposed new Rowing Club facility.
- Isn't it all just a waste of money?
- We don't think so! Bexhill is in competition with other seaside towns, not only to attract visitors, but also to promote itself as a good place to live, work, and invest. This project will give an important boost to Bexhill's seafront and send a strong message that the town is looking forward. For that reason it's an important part of the Council's Corporate Plan.
What are the Council going to do about the recent ‘petition'?
We value all comments received on this project, and that is why the feedback element is an important part of the public exhibition and consultation process. The petition has somewhat pre-empted this process, and an analysis of both the questions and answers given suggests that the petitioners and the public have misunderstood the content and purpose of the Next Wave scheme. To clarify:
- East Parade will not be part of the scheme therefore no Edwardian shelters will be touched - indeed they are considered an important part of Bexhill's heritage and the Council only recently invested in restoring and lighting them.
- The Colonnade is currently under-utilised and the Council in the past have been approached by investors/entrepreneurs to consider upgrading the offer in this area for bars, cafes, restaurants, etc. The seafront scheme aims to explore this possibility by marketing the site and refurbishing this area. To get it to a standard expected in this day and age will cost money. Meanwhile it must be borne in mind that some £300k of investment is required simply to repair and conserve this important historic building as it is.
- A number of petitioners raised issues such as seagull control, sand on the beach, and wider town centre issues, including pavements. Such issues cannot be addressed as part of this cultural regeneration programme as they fall outside the scope of heritage and the historic environment, cultural projects and public space
However, the petition will be received by the Full Council at the time of the reporting on the outcome of the grant bid at their next meeting.
