28th December 2007

PLANS for the development of the Weymouth Pavilion area will take a leap forward in the spring with a formal planning application for a £120 million scheme.

The UK managing director of developers Howard Holdings, Martin Jepson, says he hopes that the paperwork will be lodged between April and June.

The project now features new designs for the proposed marina, and the developers say they are in detailed talks to create a top quality hotel.

Mr Jepson said: "We have altered the marina design and are modifying elements of the scheme to minimise or eradicate completely any effects on the beach and the wave climate to the approaches to the harbour."

He said a marine survey report by experts at Wallingford and engineers Fenton Holloway had been compiled after more than a year of research, testing and analysis.

He added: "Scale model tank testing is scheduled for spring next year and this will also be fed into the design process. We will be sharing the final designs with the community at a public exhibition.
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"This will take place in April at the arts centre and we will announce more specific details nearer the time."

Mr Jepson said that Howard Holdings was in detailed negotiations with three international hoteliers to bring a high quality hotel into Weymouth.

He added that Howard Holdings and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council expected to choose the preferred hotelier early in the New Year ahead of the planning application.

Mr Jepson also said that, subject to a favourable planning decision, the Pavilion Theatre would not close before September of next year.

As well as a quality hotel, the plans envisage a new theatre using some of the existing Pavilion Theatre structure, a new World Heritage Visitor Centre and a community space.

There will be a public square, a pier as part of the marina which will be open to the public, restaurants, cafes and shops.

A new ferry terminal, affordable housing and new residential accommodation also feature in the scheme. There will also be 400 public car parking spaces alongside the same number of spaces for residents.

Mr Jepson said that a key aim was to make sure that the development was sustainable, creating a long-term environment for residents, tourists, businesses and visitors with a minimum environmental impact through energy-saving initiatives.

He added that Howard Holdings was keen to encourage people to view the proposals on www.weymouthpaviliondevelopment.co.uk and to submit their comments and questions.

He said: "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."