New masterplan to transform Weymouth Seafront
Weymouth seafront could host arts, sports events and festivals as part of proposals in a new masterplan
The Weymouth Town Council 'Seafront Masterplan' has been approved.
Residents, businesses, visitors and organisations will be able to have their say on enhancing Weymouth’s beachfront, after proposals were agreed at the Services Committee meeting.
Improvements to the beachfront will look at what sort of events and activities should be supported, including arts, sports and festivals.
Better access and signage for visitors and residents wanting to enjoy the town’s jewel on the Jurassic Coast will also feature along with exploring options for new attractions and hospitality venues for people to use long after the summer season comes to an end.
The masterplan will cover the beach and Promenade near Weymouth Pavilion theatre in the south, to Overcombe beach in the north.
A range of consultation events are due to be organised in the new year once a consultant has been appointed to lead on this work for the council.
HOW LONG UNTIL THE PLAN IS IMPLEMENTED?
Weymouth Town Council say the masterplan should provide a 10-year plan for the implementation but, within that, proposals that can be undertaken within the next 2-5 years.
In some cases, new commercial opportunities could be procured or trialled for the 2023 season.
The study will focus on the beach and Promenade that is under the control (via a lease from Dorset Council) of Weymouth Town Council. This includes the beach and Promenade (walkway) from close to Weymouth Pavilion theatre in the south, to Overcombe beach in the north.
In some areas, notably, Greenhill, the lease from Dorset Council includes Greenhill Gardens (managed by WTC) and the seafront shelters building sub-leased to Greenhill Community Interest Company. The reason for this spatial focus is to ensure that the resulting masterplan concentrates on those things that the town council can have a direct influence over and can bring about changes.
Weymouth Town Council say the Masterplan should also consider the connectivity, particularly for pedestrians, between the town centre and the seafront. For example, the area around the Jubilee Clock is a key point of access onto the seafront for those travelling up Kings Street from the railway station or Swannery car park.
The Town Council also say there needs to be consideration as to how these main access points can be enhanced and have better wayfinding to better distribute visitors along the seafront.
Cllr Ryan Hope, Services Committee Chair, said: “This summer has proved that Weymouth’s beachfront continues to be an extremely popular destination for residents and visitors alike who flock to our wonderful beach from various locations around the UK and abroad.
“The time is right to consult on a new range of measures that will boost economic growth in the area, as well as bringing an exciting range of events and activities for people living in and around the town.”
Funding for a large Norway Spruce Christmas tree to light up the dark winter nights in the town centre during the festive season was also agreed under a separate item at the Weymouth Town Council committee meeting.
The draft brief for the development of the masterplan for Weymouth seafront can be found here.
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