Council supports Rowing Club’s move

East Devon District Council’s Cabinet yesterday has agreed to support Exmouth Rowing Club to move into the old lifeboat station adjacent to their existing premises on Queen’s Drive.

This will allow the council to move forward with its plans for the regeneration of Queen’s Drive.

The club will be charged a reduced rent for the new premises to be reviewed after five years. Refurbishment of the building to bring it up to date is to be funded by the club through an Inspired Facilities grant from Sport England.

Councillor Andrew Moulding, Deputy Leader of East Devon District Council and chair of the Exmouth Regeneration Programme Board said: "The council is committed to supporting Exmouth’s regeneration for the benefit of all residents, businesses, visitors and organisations. We acknowledge that in some circumstances this regeneration may lead to some organisations having to move premises, so it is important that we support these community organisations where we reasonably can."

Exmouth Rowing Club is currently located within the proposed Queen’s Drive Leisure Area which will provide a range of attractions offering all year round and all weather activities in this prime, seafront location.

An outline planning application for the proposed recreation and leisure zone will be considered by East Devon District Council’s Development Management Committee in December. The Rowing Club’s existing premises will be demolished and the site cleared for car parking as part of the regeneration of the area.

Cabinet asked that a future report be prepared on policy that clarifies EDDC’s approach to reflecting and securing market rent whilst on occasion recognising the benefits that rental subsidy can achieve for sporting and charitable organisations that rent council premises.

It is expected that the Exmouth Sea Scouts and Exmouth Sea Cadets will be in a similar position as there are plans to develop the Camperdown Creek area.

Exmouth town centre and seafront are changing for the better, establishing the resort as an attractive 21st century destination fit for residents, businesses and visitors.