News & Events
Watchet Esplanade Enhancement Scheme
The Watchet Esplanade Project, along with other phases of Harbour development, will provide an enhanced public realm area that will help to draw visitors, residents and businesses into the town. It will encourage investment in the enhancement and conservation of redundant buildings surrounding the Harbour and will create an area that will retain its status as the focal point of Watchet.
The following is from a recent press release:
'West Somerset Council has succeeded in securing full funding for plans to enhance and regenerate Watchet Esplanade.
Corporate Director Adrian Dyer said, ‘We’re delighted to announce that Government Office South West has confirmed we’ve achieved our bid for £138,380 of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF).
‘We received confirmation of £51,250 in June 2006 from the bid submitted to the Somerset Rural Renaissance Partnership, and the confirmation of the additional ERDF funding is great news for Watchet.’
The project is currently going out to tender with work anticipated to start at the end of the summer 2007 and it will be completed by the end of 2007.
Mr Dyer added, ‘The esplanade enhancement project, coupled with Urban Splash’s £12 million investment in East Wharf, looks set to totally transform the area into a vibrant centre where residents and tourists can enjoy a variety of community activities. It’s good news for the town and the local economy.’
The esplanade enhancement project will provide the infrastructure such as market stalls to enable the town to host local farmers markets, and a new performing area so that live music can once again be enjoyed beside the marina. There will be new seating, retractable power supplies, audio/visual equipment, provision of a new shelter with information point and refurbishment of the current shelters.
New feature paving will be laid in some areas, while railings and lamps, curved benches, planters and new tree plantings will boost the overall appearance of the esplanade.
Market Town Regeneration Officer Pete Vallance said, ‘It’s fantastic that West Somerset Council’s bids for external funding have secured the money necessary to enhance the esplanade. It will attract people to the town which can only be good for local business.
‘It’s also great that the facilities will directly benefit residents by giving them an enhanced area to enjoy as well as the opportunity to shop at monthly farmers markets and enjoy a range of music and events staged at the performing area.’
Last month West Somerset Council signed a development agreement with award-winning property developer Urban Splash which paves the way for developing the adjoining East Wharf site. The agreement details the way the company and the council will work together at the location to provide a mixture of residential and commercial property and represents an investment of £12 million by Urban Splash.
Mr Vallance added, ‘These projects are a major step forward for Watchet. They will contribute to the economic and social well-being of people in West Somerset and we are delighted by the support from many within the community and the input from residents which has helped shaped the future of their town.’
Created on August 29th 2007
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