Developments for the Weymouth Seafront Lighting scheme have taken an exciting step forward this week as an award-winning architectural company is appointed.

Tonkin Liu, which has a wealth of experience in creating lighting schemes in seaside towns, has been appointed to design the lighting project for Weymouth's promenade. 

Their winning idea is said to have taken into account the community’s aspirations, heard at sessions in Autumn last year.

The company's design ideas are said to be colourful, affordable and environmentally-friendly, which uses modern technology to sit comfortably within the context of Weymouth seafront’s Georgian and Victorian architecture. 

Tonkin Liu’s concept will be developed into detailed designs based on feedback gathered during forthcoming liaison with schools and community representatives.

Nicky Whittenham, founding director of Bounce Back Arts said: “It was a tough decision for the project panel to make as the standard of candidates was so high. With the appointment of award-winning architectural practice Tonkin Liu we can now look forward to a world-class design coming to Weymouth, which has the aspirations of the local community firmly at its core.

"Tonkin Liu have done a superb job of responding to the message which lay at the heart of the community’s feedback, provided during consultation. These new ideas will bring back the magic and the night-time atmosphere to our beloved prom. 

"The new scheme will help nurture a sense of pride and a fresh emotional connection between the local community and this important public space.”

Representatives from a range of residential areas, businesses and community groups with a variety of interests and viewpoints have been invited to help shape the concepts as part of a focus group to take place in April. 

The studio will also work with schools in the area before it is presented at a community exhibition during May, where feedback from the broader community will be welcomed. 

Details of the exhibition will follow.

The Weymouth Seafront Lighting project was awarded £200,000 as part of the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio to create a new seafront lighting scheme from the Pavilion Peninsula along the esplanade to the stone groyne at Greenhill. 

The Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio of 18 projects received funding from the Coastal Communities Fund, and is coordinated by Dorset Coast Forum.

Further information can be found at dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/weymouth-promenade-lighting

Anna Liu, Tonkin Liu director added: "We are absolutely delighted to be working on such a prestigious project in Weymouth. It is a great opportunity to be a part of the future on the town’s seafront."

Cllr Richard Kosior Weymouth and Portland Borough Council briefholder for tourism, culture and harbour, said: “This is
an exciting step forward for the Weymouth Seafront Lighting Scheme and the appointment of an award-winning architectural
candidate is fantastic news. 

"Tonkin Liu will be working closely with the relevant engineering departments who have the expertise, experience and local knowledge to ensure a correct and timely installation. I look forward to seeing the concept progress into detailed designs that take into consideration the feedback gathered from the local community.”