Planning bid launched to change the face of Exmouth seafront

Plans to change the face of Exmouth seafront for residents, visitors and businesses alike have been formally put forward for consideration.

Elements of a new £10 million ‘Queen’s Drive Leisure Zone’ could include a Waterports Centre, a large indoor and outdoor play and recreation area, retail areas, a public square and parking for over 200 cars.

East Devon District Council has submitted the planning application following months of study and preparation, including a public consultation which gathered views from over 500 local people and organisations.

The application has now been published and can be viewed by all at www.planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/ using the reference 13/1819/MOUT.

Owing to its size and complexity – including the need to examine environmental impact – the application is likely to be considered by EDDC’s Development Management Committee in December 2013 at the earliest.

Attractions

The new Leisure Zone at Queen’s Drive is one of the key Exmouth Vision proposals to be endorsed by the Exmouth Town Centre and Seafront Masterplan.

It would provide fresh appeal, offering affordable attractions for all ages, leading to greater economic prosperity for the town as a whole.

During the public consultation which took place between November 2012 and January 2013, respondents were asked for views on a range of potential elements for the scheme, including:

• A large privately run play and recreation area, including both indoor and outdoor facilities
• A water sports hub, to be the centrepiece of the other main leisure area located on the seafront
• Retail areas and also a public square
• A new two-storey café and/or restaurant
• A new 200 space-plus car parking area
• A possible hotel and / or holiday accommodation.

Another important element of the scheme would be to re-align the road away from the seafront, allowing easier access to the beach and sea from the various attractions.

Exciting prospects

“This is an exciting project,” said Regeneration Programme Board Chairman Cllr Andrew Moulding. “It goes right to the heart of the Masterplan’s ambitions for Exmouth in the years ahead: new attractions, a boost to the economy and fresh appeal to those who live here, as well as those who visit.”

EDDC will also begin testing for market interest in providing the various scheme elements, including the possibility of a new hotel or holiday accommodation.

Existing tenants, whom EDDC have remained in close contact with, are also being encouraged to put forward their own detailed proposals at this stage.

 

 

 

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