THE NEXT stage in plans for Seaton’s regeneration got under way this week with the official launch of a search for a world-class operator for the Jurassic Coast Discovery Centre.

EDDC is inviting expressions of interest in managing the state-of-the-art centre, which is proposed to be built as part of the Seaton Regeneration Programme on land at the Underfleet.

The Council has advertised the opportunity to bid for the franchise in the Estates Gazette and in the industry magazine Leisure Opportunities, as well as sending a full-colour prospectus to a number of potential bidders. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 16 January 2012.

The four-page colour prospectus giving details of the opportunity is also available via EDDC’s website at: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/sdc_brochure_lowres.pdf

Imaginative

Under the Council’s Thriving Economy priority, set out in its Corporate Strategy, is a commitment to delivering economic growth through regeneration, particularly in Exmouth and Seaton. By working with the community through the Seaton Regeneration Programme Board, EDDC aims to bring forward significant improvements to the town.

These include a complete re-development of an area off Harbour Road to include a new supermarket (Tesco’s opened November 2011), residential development, hotel, Jurassic Coast Discovery Centre and expansion of the Axe Wetlands, with imaginative schemes designed to give this historic East Devon town a world-class visitor offering and a vibrant retail centre.

The aim is to capitalise on the town’s special attractions of World Heritage Coast and wildlife sanctuary, viewable on foot, by bike, or from the unique Seaton Tramway.

The ‘Seaton Regeneration Area’ lies between Seaton town centre, the seafront, Axmouth Harbour, the Axe riverside and Seaton Marshes. The aspiration is to provide a high-quality gateway to Seaton and to enhance its role as a visitor destination, on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The Regeneration Area will also play an important retail, commercial and residential part in the future of the town, integrating key attractions such as the Seaton Tramway, Seaton Marshes and the Axe Estuary and providing further visitor facilities.

It is anticipated that the proposed Seaton Jurassic Coast Discovery Centre will, in the broadest sense, tell the story of the Jurassic Coast, and the landscape, geology and geomorphology around Seaton.

It will focus on the unique aspects of this story, in particular the Undercliffs, the Axe Estuary, and the role of water in shaping this dynamic landscape.

Relaxation

It will provide relaxation and refreshment opportunities for the visitor, together with a small retail offering, appropriate to the natural environment that the centre is promoting.

Seaton is also at the mouth of the estuary of the River Axe. The Axe Wetlands project is an initiative led by EDDC to create a nature reserve with enhanced opportunities for wildlife and people. Covering most of the western side of the Axe Estuary and the adjacent marshes, this new reserve is 1.5 miles in length, stretching from Seaton to Colyford, and is within a short walk from the proposed discovery centre.

The Discovery Centre is also adjacent to Seaton Tramway, which provides a unique visitor experience and the major tourist attraction for this part of the coast, with around 100,000 visitors annually. The Seaton Tramway operates narrow-gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.

The Stop Line Way, part of the National Cycle Network Route 33, is a long-distance walking and cycling route, and links the Bristol Channel to Lyme Bay, passing through Devon, Somerset, and Dorset. It is being funded and built by a partnership of local authorities in the three counties, with the support of Sustrans.

Once completed, it will cover 70 miles and will connect Seaton to Weston-Super-Mare via Axminster, Chard, Ilminster, Taunton, Bridgwater, Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea.

Share this post