Dawlish Strand opening celebrations

An official opening of Dawlish Strand will be held on Friday 6 December to coincide with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The £1.5 million regeneration scheme, which is a joint initiative between Devon County, Teignbridge District and Dawlish Town Councils, has rejuvenated the Strand area since it was completed in the summer and it has been welcomed by traders.

Devon County Council Chairman, Councillor Bernard Hughes OBE, will conduct the opening ceremony at 4.30pm ahead of the festive lights switch-on from 5pm. The re-development has involved the removal of the wall, shelter and shrubs, as well as re-grading the bank which used to divide The Strand from the Lawns, opening up and integrating the area.

New Yorkstone paving and granite kerbs have been laid alongside The Lawn, and new granite kerbs and drainage have been installed.

The footpath outside shops on the north side of the street have been widened and repaved in high quality natural Yorkstone slabs, and new granite kerbs have been installed. Parking and loading bays have also been added on this side of the road. Raised crossing points have been created throughout the street as a traffic calming measure and to improve safety for pedestrians when crossing the road.

The road has also been reconstructed and resurfaced and new street furniture has been installed.

Councillor Bernard Hughes said: “Holding this ceremony just before the Christmas lights are switched on should make this a great occasion. This scheme has opened up The Strand to create a much more attractive space for shoppers. This should make a huge difference to the shops in this part of the town centre and I’m sure will act as a boost to the local economy."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Maintenance, said: “This scheme has transformed The Strand and it came together really well, with a minimal amount of disruption. This project has been a great example of partnership working and I’m pleased that we were able to maintain access to the local shops at all times throughout the work.”

Councillor John Clatworthy, Deputy Leader of Devon County Council and local County Councillor for Dawlish, said: “I think the whole town has been impressed with the final results of this enhancement since it opened in the summer and it has really breathed new life into The Strand.”

Chairman of Teignbridge District Council Councillor Rosalind Prowse said: “With its world famous black swans, unique Lawn and many shops and attractions, Dawlish has got lots to offer residents and visitors. The Strand enhancement scheme has made it even better by opening the area up and making it a lighter, brighter place. As a local councillor who has been involved in the regeneration of Dawlish, I can see the benefits this scheme has to offer. Dawlish is a wonderful place to be but don’t just take my word for it – come and see for yourself!”

Councillor Terry Lowther, Mayor of Dawlish Town Council, said: “Dawlish has needed a face lift for some years and the redesigned Strand has achieved that beautifully. Although it has meant extensive change, the essential nature of the town has been retained and that will continue to be our ambition during future work on the Lawn and the Brook.”

David Force, Chairman of the Dawlish Chamber of Trade, said: “The changes to the Strand have been very well received by the traders. Many of them have had positive comments from residents and holidaymakers alike. The removal of the wall, in particular, has given the whole area a more open feel. We are looking forward to discussing plans for improvements to the Lawn and Brook as this. It is encouraging that Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council have worked so closely together to improve the town centre. We really hope that the regeneration will breathe new life into the town. There are already new businesses looking at coming to Dawlish and we are optimistic that this trend will continue.”

The scheme was carried out by JTT Contracting of Exeter.