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“It is our commitment to report the facts. Therefore, the media reports in this section reflect factual information.” 4 April 2007 Economic impact of Pavilion & Ferry terminal Site development: Focus on leisure Enhanced leisure facilities will improve the reputation of Weymouth as a resort, raising its profile and attracting tourists that will benefit the local economy, bringing over £11 million of expenditure to Weymouth each year.
The amphitheatre is a versatile attraction which might be used as a theatre for 400 patrons or could be made the stage for an audience on the beach that might number 1200 or greater. There are several examples of highly popular open air productions including those at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall and Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour.
Public Activity Space Located in the shelter of the hotel building, this space could provide a home for seasonal and themed events such as ice skating, exhibitions, and entertainment events. Usage would be a combination of long term events (such as those lasting all summer) with short incidental events throughout the year. This type of high quality public private space is considered to be a key driver of wider benefits of any redevelopment and the space provided for activities is essential to visitor satisfaction.
The open air market within the development forms part of the wider public activity space and therefore could vary in size according to need. This may include weekday, weekend or week long markets for Christmas, for instance. The economic impact survey bases its findings on utilising half of the proposed space. The total value to the economy would change if a larger proportion of the space was used.
The public will have full access to the significant spaces, walkways and boardwalk created within the development and between and around buildings. The beach side walkway is a natural extension to the historic promenade in contrast to the elevated south boardwalk which contains an array of shops and restaurants. The square connects the walkways and is the hub and focal point for activity. The new facilities not only increase capacity but also enhance visitor perception of both the quality of the development and Weymouth as a diverse leisure destination. The spectacular 250 metre long public pier and Jurassic coast viewing platform originally proposed as part of the north marina breakwater has now been removed following the reduction in the size of marina. World Heritage Visitor Centre It is considered that an appropriate World Heritage Visitor Centre has the potential not only to inform people about the Jurassic Coast, but to provide a new visitor attraction for the many visitors to Weymouth and Portland and the Jurassic Coast. Provision of a wide programme of activities and events in the shoulder months would further assist in the wider distribution of the main tourism season. Such a facility could play a major role as an embarkation point for boat trips along the Jurassic Coast, and could be an excellent starting point for people to explore the coast, by boat, bus, walking or motor car. This view is endorsed by both the Jurassic Coast Team and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Steering group. Theatre The current theatre is considered to be a major drain on the resources of Weymouth and Portland taxpayers. It is intended that the theatre is completely remodelled and re-built around the auditorium; completely stripped out, re-clad and re-roofed externally. Moreover, new backstage facilities including improved wing space, loading docks and changing rooms will also be provided, as will new lighting and audio systems. New front of house, new seating, disabled facilities and café / bar areas at all levels, should improve both its attractiveness and viability. Hotel The increase in staying visitor expenditure as a direct result of the new hotel is expected to be £4,686,117. There may also be conference and leisure facilities that can be utilised by non residents. Arts and Performance Space The present Ocean Room is in need of significant refurbishment. The space is a noteworthy drain on the resources of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. While there is occasional need for a ballroom, it does not address the needs of the wider community and other user groups and, as such, requires heavy subsidy by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. The proposed replacement space is a significant community facility at approximately 300 square metres. The inherent flexibility of the new space better meets the needs of a broader range of residents and visitors. A new conference venue business could be created utilising the re-modelled theatre, Heritage centre and Hotel underpinned by one of the most spectacular locations in the UK. Commercial Units Based on the most up-to-date data, the Pavilion & Ferry Terminal site development will contain a mix of retail, restaurants and cafes, and offices. Drawing on our experience in other locations, it is likely that Weymouth as a retail and commercial centre will benefit significantly by the addition of this type of space within close proximity to the primary commercial locations. And the attraction of Weymouth is likely to be substantially enhanced. Within the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) Weymouth is identified as a place where an element of strategic growth would be appropriate, this includes the full spectrum of residential, retail and employment. (Settlements, 2005) Marina Demand for berths within Weymouth is high, with both the Councils inner harbour berths and the private marina having waiting lists for permanent berths. A 150 berth marina will address some of the issues while adding to the overall setting of the development. ENDS
For further information, please contact: Sophie Eastwood The Holistic Group Tel: 07709 359 529 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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