A 'SEAFRONT masterplan' which could see Weymouth's beachfront enhanced with art, sports, events and festivals has been unveiled.
Residents, businesses, visitors and organisations will be able to have their say on proposals to enhance Weymouth’s beachfront, after councillors on Weymouth Town Council's Services Committee gave the go ahead for the plan to be developed.
The council said that the seafront has suffered from under-investment, particularly in terms of infrastructure due to the severe financial pressures on the predecessor councils. This masterplan is therefore seen as an opportunity for the town council - which was launched in 2019 - to address this need for improvement.
Weymouth Town Council operations manager Tony Hurley said it has allocated £25,000 of its reserves to cover the cost of developing the new masterplan, which should be in place by the middle of next year and inform future leases and licenses.
There are hopes that this new masterplan will enable the town council, along with its partners, to develop investment plans to improve the built infrastructure and heritage of the seafront along with the enhancement and protection of its coastal environment. It will also identify new commercial opportunities to meet visitor and resident needs.
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 the project for the council.
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 seafront 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.
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.”
The draft brief for the development of the masterplan for Weymouth seafront can be found on: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/committee/
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