Exciting summer ahead for Seaton Regeneration

It's going to be quite a summer for some of the projects that together make up the Seaton Regeneration Programme, with substantial progress on the horizon.

Meanwhile, plans are also under way to consult in the town about providing more council-owned employment units. Together, the projects represent a real vote of confidence in boosting Seaton’s economy and employment prospects in the town.

On Tuesday 11 June, a revised planning application for the Discovery Centre building was approved by EDDC’s Development Management Committee. The principle of planning permission for the building already existed, but some minor changes had been made to the design that meant it needed to be checked again by planners. The application was supported by Seaton Town Council and was approved by the committee.

It’s also anticipated that the partners working to build and fit out the proposed Discovery Centre will soon hear whether their bid for £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund has been successful.

The extra cash will take the partners close to the final figure they need to provide the ideal facility, providing an added boost to make it more likely that a start can be made on site by spring 2014. The funding will assist with the costs of interpretative display and exhibits both inside and around the new building. And it will supplement the £1.8 million EDDC is re-investing and a further £500,000 pledged by Devon County Council.

Cllr Ian Thomas, EDDC’s new Cabinet Member for Economy, who recently took the helm of Seaton Regeneration Programme Board, said: “The new Jurassic Coast Discovery Centre is a vital part of building an exciting and prosperous future for Seaton residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“This will not just place Seaton firmly at the core of the Devon and Dorset Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - but so much more, with its unique location near to the Axe Estuary Wetlands.

“I am pleased that Devon Wildlife Trust will be operating the Centre, and confident that their experience will ensure it soon becomes a ‘must visit’ part of East Devon.

“A revitalised Seaton will enjoy a unique blend of enjoyable and educational attractions, for new generations of environmentally conscious tourists and families alike. The ancient Jurassic coast and the wetlands environment of the present, plus the chance to arrive on a tram or cycle: what other seaside town can match that for a year round reason to visit?”

Attractions

The ongoing aim in Seaton is to draw together the multiple attractions of the town’s Jurassic Coast, the Undercliff, Wetlands and Tramway under a Natural Seaton brand. This work will be further explored over the next 12 months.

Just to the north of the Discovery Centre site is an area known as Sheep’s Marsh, which has now been acquired by EDDC so that the Countryside Team can turn it into a potted version of the Wetlands, with examples of all of the habitats that are present further up the estuary.

Plans are well advanced, although Environment Agency approval will still be needed and planning permission obtained before work can start on the habitat creation, but it is hoped that the landscaping will be completed in 2013.

Employment

EDDC is also hoping to provide a major improvement to employment provision in Seaton, with an idea to build new units on land the Council has acquired in Fosseway Park together with a former depot site off Colyford Road.  The proposal is at an early stage and would supplement the workshop units at Riverside, whose longer term future is bound up in the development proposals for the Regeneration Area.

The first stage in this long-term project, which is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2015, is an initial public consultation to be held on the afternoon of Monday 24 June at Seaton Town Hall, from 3pm to 6pm, dealing with the Colyford Road and Fosseway Park sites.

Cllr Ian Thomas continued: “I am keen to see new life injected into the economy of East Devon and I support projects that will deliver that aim. These regeneration schemes are a classic example of the kind of partnership project that ticks all the right boxes.”

Cllr Steph Jones, EDDC’s Member Champion for Seaton added: “These are very exciting times for Seaton. There is a real sense of energy in the town with the number of schemes aimed at bringing new vitality to the town centre and new vibrancy to the tourism offering.

“The next few weeks will be crucial in helping us to assess not if we are going to make progress but how quickly that progress can be made.”

Cllr Jim Knight, of EDDC and Devon County Council said: “As the county and district councillor for Seaton I have fully supported the visitor centre venture from its very beginning as it will bring Seaton even nearer its regeneration completion which will draw in many visitors far and wide and add a great educational attraction to the town for all to go too.

“I am very pleased to hear that employment units will be built soon on two areas situated on two main routes into town this will give our local residents a place to set up a new business or move to newer premises if they need to expand a thriving business.”

Further improvements

Also under the Regeneration Agenda, Seaton Town Council has been hard at work on many improvement projects, including consultation on proposals to develop the town’s seafront. The aim is to provide a new gateway to the town centre from the sea and a ‘crossroads’ leading to Seaton’s attractions. They are also creating a brand new series of events to enliven Seaton’s town centre through the summer and working with Seaton’s Marketing & Events Coordinator and Town Development Team to deliver improvements to signage within the town; new artwork and murals to brighten up areas; as well as beachside activities to regenerate the beach area throughout the year.

Town Mayor Gaynor Sedgwick commented: “Seaton is very fortunate to have such an enthusiastic group of people working to regenerate the town.  From Councillors, Marketing and Events, Town Development Team through to our hard working group of volunteers, the momentum for change taking place in our town at present is impressive.  Seaton is going from strength to strength and I am proud to be a part of it.”