Seaton Regeneration Area Plan :: Design and Access Principles
Summary
6.1 Overall we aim to create a place that addresses sustainable design objectives and meets the ‘Redevelopment principles’ set out in the Development Brief for the site in paragraph 5.0 (outlined below):
- Opening up the site from east to west - strong routes have been created linking the existing Town Centre to the enhanced Riverside area and, where possible, tree-lined avenues have been created in order to improve the ambiance of these links.
- Leisure activity hubs, building on existing provision - activity hubs have been both created and enhanced through the relocation of the tramway terminus and new Jurassic Coast Visitor Centre creating an improved tourist attraction focused around a new public square. As well as this, a new entrance at the gateway to Seaton has been created at the south east of the site where a new hotel/restaurant and public viewing area will exploit the views along the River Axe and reinforce links to the existing harbour area. Significant contributions will also be made to the extension of Seaton Wetlands Centre.
- Improved retail provision - the new supermarket, non-food retail store and PFS as well as other smaller units will enhance Seaton as a retail destination.
- Increased parking provision - parking levels have been increased not only to maintain the viability of the Town’s current facilities but also to accommodate the expected increase in visitor numbers following the redevelopment of the site.
- Mixed commercial uses, incorporating the existing uses on the site - a number of mixed use commercial areas have been proposed within the design and have been located around activity hubs to help generate activity within these areas.
- Improved riverside access - the strong east west links to the riverside and proposed riverside walkway will help create an attractive facility.
- Diverse range of housing development, including affordable housing - a broad range of house types and sizes with a proportion of affordable housing will be provided in order to attract a variety of residents and create a diverse community.
- Environmental Improvements - the development will regenerate this area of Seaton including many new open space areas and form a sympathetic edge to the Seaton Marshes.
6.2 The design aims to create an attractive place to live, work, shop and visit and is intended to attract people from both within Seaton and from surrounding settlements as well as tourists from further a field.
6.3 The area around the Regeneration Area has developed an identifiable character, in part, created by its urban form and architectural qualities. The development proposals will have a positive sense of place led by the treatment of built form and the creation of a network of streets and spaces which integrate different land uses and create a townscape tailored to respond to the specific constraints of the site.
