Seaford Town Council last night (Tuesday 28th March 2017) agreed to plans to improve the much-loved seafront at Seaford. The plans include at The Martello section of the promenade, much needed new public toilets, new kiosks, an entertainments area and the new art feature seating area “The Shoal” made by local artists Gabby Tofts and Christian Funnell.
The Bönningstedt promenade will undergo the biggest transformation over three years including up to 60 new beach huts, a café and toilets as well as 20 Executive Chalets. Local sea defences will be introduced to protect this area as well as electricity and water supplies being introduced.
Beach volley ball and beach football sand areas will be introduced opposite The Salts as well as three outdoor showers along the beach for bathers and children’s sandpits at the three concession points along the promenade.
There will also be some environmental improvements including resilient plants and trees in containers, improved but reduced signage and direct links to the Town Centre to attract tourists to the local shops to sustain the local economy.
The final design was assimilated after considering previous public consultation including the 2010 Community Partnership Consultation and the recent consultation events held on the 3rd and 4th March when over 1000 people attended to give their views.
The £2.2 million required for the project will largely come from the sale of beach huts, however some beach huts will be retained for the public to hire as well.
Seaford Town Mayor Lindsay Freeman said “This is a wonderful scheme to improve the seafront in line with the wishes of most Seafordians, whilst still retaining the natural, unspoilt charm of Seaford. I am particularly pleased that there is something there for every age group including teenagers with the inclusion of the beach football and volley ball. I am delighted to be involved in this scheme and can’t wait to see it all happen”.
Town Clerk James Corrigan said “The two days of face to face consultation were brilliant we learnt so much from Seafordians. Most residents wanted to see improvements on the seafront but also to ensure we retained Seaford’s subtle charm. We believe these plans have achieved that and at no cost to local tax payers and deliver on the Council’s objectives for Town improvements”.
To reflect residents wishes the Town Council also resolved to have a policy statement that it would not support the introduction of charging for parking on the seafront in Seaford. Provision is being made however to provide an occasional overflow car park on the Martello field to be run by local charities with an optional donation to park there going to the local charity.
The final plan can be viewed on the Town Councils website at www.seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Beach hut sales will be publicised via the Town Councils website, Facebook, Twitter and local press. The first five beach huts to be sold from the existing stock at Martello end of the promenade will be subject to sealed bids and will be advertised imminently. Follow Seaford Town Councils Facebook and website for announcements.
Residents can also sponsor seating at the entertainments area, new telescopes and The Shoal art seat. Details are available in the Councils memorials and donations brochure at http://www.seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk/Memorial-Options.aspx
