21 December 2007

The planning application for the £120 million scheme to regenerate the Pavilion and Ferry Terminal site will be submitted in the second quarter of 2008.  Howard Holdings update the Dorset Echo and its readers on their progress towards this key milestone.

“We have altered the marina design and are modifying elements of the scheme to minimise or eradicate completely any affects on the beach and the wave climate to the approaches to the harbour.”, says Martin Jepson, UK managing director of Howard Holdings.

“Speaking of research,” he continues, “let me take this opportunity to clear up the recent comments about the marine survey.  The experts at specialist marine engineering consultancy HR Wallingford and Fenton Holloway engineers compiled their report from over a year of research, testing and analysis.  The conclusions in the report which can be accessed on our website, www.weymouthpaviliondevelopment.co.uk, stem from the complex and highly technical data generated from the historic research, modelling and forecasting.  Scale model tank testing is scheduled for spring next year and these will also feed in to the design process.” 

Another key objective for Howard Holdings and the council is to ensure the development is sustainable, creating a long term successful environment for residents, tourists, businesses and visitors, and making sure the scheme has a minimum impact on the environment through energy saving initiatives.  The council and its development partner are working towards a scheme that will achieve these goals.  At the same time, professional consultant teams are finalising drawings and technical information for the planning application and Environmental Impact Assessment being submitted next year.

“We will of course be sharing the final designs with the community at a public exhibition.  This will take place in April at the Arts Centre and we will announce more specific details nearer the time”, says Martin Jepson.

“The development includes a huge amount of civic provision for a scheme of this size with no cost to the public purse.  In fact, a further £5 million of funding has been injected into the scheme, which adds to the healthy finances we have in place to see the scheme through to completion.

“Our commitment as always is to create an exciting, contemporary development which will have a sustainable mix of uses and high levels of access for the local and visiting general public.  It will transform what is currently mostly a car park and derelict land in a prime area of Weymouth and leave a great legacy for the Olympics generation and beyond”, he adds.

Howard Holdings are in detailed negotiations with three international hoteliers, which will bring a high quality hotel into Weymouth. The council and Howard Holdings expect to make a choice of their preferred hotelier early in the New Year and in advance of the planning application.

Howard Holdings and the council have also said that, subject to a favourable planning decision, the Pavilion Theatre will not close before September next year.

The proposed development for the Pavilion and Ferry Terminal site will deliver a high quality hotel, a new theatre using some of the existing structure, A new World Heritage Visitor Centre; significant community space; a public square; a pier as part of the marina which will be open to the public, restaurants, cafes, and retail that compliments what Weymouth already offers; a new ferry terminal; a marina; affordable housing and new residential accommodation; and 400 public car parking spaces alongside the same number of spaces for residents.

Factual information can be found on: www.weymouthpaviliondevelopment.co.uk and Howard Holdings encourage people to approach them with any comments and questions.  “We are more than happy to answer any questions and welcome any comments.  It is important that people have informed opinions based on the facts”, asserts Martin Jepson.