14
May
New design for Ilfracombe seafront
A SLIDE weaving down Capstone Hill, a Culture Centre linked to
the Landmark Theatre and a viewing bridge and platform across
Wilders mouth beach could all form part of a radical facelift for
Ilfracombe's seafront.
The grand unveiling of these proposals, designed by Cornish
consultants Perfect Moment, will take place at a public
consultation exhibition next weekend.
The clock is ticking for Ilfracombe to put in its bid by June to
the Government's Seachange programme, through CABE (the Commission
for Architecture and the Built Environment).
The £45 million cash-pot was set up to help regenerate the
UK's tired and economically struggling seaside towns through art
and culture.
Ilfracombe has already received £30,000 to develop its ideas
and there are high hopes the town will score £1m from CABE to
begin the £5m project, provided it gets the thumbs up from the
public next week.
Match funding and other bids will also be going in to local
councils, South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and other
funding bodies.
The transformation of the Ilfracombe Museum into an "iconic",
barrel-roofed culture building is at the centre of proposals, which
also include a continental-style plaza, a sea-view platform,
children's play areas, an outdoor performance space and a
sprinkling of public art.
Original ideas, conceived at a brainstorming session involving
seafront stakeholders and authorities have been incorporated into
the design.
They have now formed a steering group, chaired by town councillor
John Swan.
He said: "CABE are looking for applications that use culture as a
driver for regeneration. The proposals fit that criteria perfectly.
The scheme would increase the prominence of our wonderful museum
and, by linking it to the Landmark, would enable both facilities to
share resources.
"The architects have come up with a stunning visual design that
will enhance that area as well as providing further exhibition and
discovery spaces. Perfect Moment promised to come up with a bold
programme and they have certainly delivered it."
District councillor Paul Yabsley said: "This is finally making
sense of Ilfracombe's seafront, providing a coherent design right
across it rather than in a piecemeal fashion. The benefits of the
visitor experience of Ilfracombe will be second to none."
Perfect Moment director Kevin Brownridge added: "We met with the
Seafront Steering Group this week and the response to the initial
proposals was extremely positive.
"There weren't any major surprises as all the ideas were thrown up
from the brainstorming event, which was attended by over 25 groups
and organisations.
"We hope the wider community are just as pleased with the ideas we
have presented and this weekend will be their chance to tell
us."
The public consultation exhibition takes place at the Landmark
Theatre on Friday, May 22, between 3pm and 9pm and Saturday, May
23, between 10am and 2pm.
Consultants and North Devon Council planners will be on hand to
chat and there will be entertainment for the children including a
wandering magician, balloon artist and Punch and Judy show.