What should happen to the Estuary site?

By ECF09 at 16:13 on 01/07/09

Re-post

Now that Asda have pulled out of the development, the Citizens Forum together with other local groups are developing a consultation for the establishment of a Community Plan for the area. This has been used in other towns in the past and could result in a wonderful communal area for all residents to enjoy as well as a feature to bring in tourists. Ideas such a transport hub, play area, cycle hire etc are being discussed.
What do you think?

By ECF09 at 16:13 on 01/07/09
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A cycle hire location could really work. In fact, don't towns and cities that are particularly bike-friendly put themselves on the map? Something that looks tasteful and organic, not 'trippy' or gawdy would be nice. I know in seaside towns such as Morecambe up in the North West, there have been some really tasteful sculptures. I really think that there needs to be a sense of cohesion to the town though, so that it doesn't just get chopped up and be a tapestry of different styles and tastes. We've got a fantastic seafront and should make the most of it by really investing time into looking at all the options, and looking at destinations that have really got it right - in the UK and abroad.

By Rockwell1 at 21:01 on 01/07/09
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I think it's a blessing Asda didn't get their plans though. Let's get an M&S or Waitrose there and get some class back in the town! Fact is, through all the doom and gloom of the recession, supermarkets are doing okay. M&S announced yesterday that its predicted slump in sales hadn't been as bad as they had expected. I can see the headlines already, 'This isn't just Exmouth... This is M&S Exmouth.' Haha!

By blackandblue1 at 14:05 on 02/07/09
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These ideas are all good - I hope someone in power is reading them.

By samsonsobers at 16:26 on 02/07/09
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All hail The-powers-that-be. Yes, Rockwell, I agree something to get people pedaling coupled with a possible Spanish-esk plaza of sorts. A place where we could all come together to enjoy the beautiful weather that we are blessed with.
A plaza to encourage visiting markets.... a plaza surrounded by bars and cafes. We don't need the Euro but maybe we can take some of the continental flavour! No need for extravagant bull running escapades but somewhere where we can just relax, meet and meet up. Somewhere to grab a cocktail or smear an ice-cream into a painful sunburn at the end of a long voyage on a rented bike.
We don't need massive chain food retailers to turn up, be it asda or M&S, be nice to have something a little out of the ordinary... buskers entertaining crowds around a center-piece fountain. If the environment is provided the people will come.
Enjoying the summer thus far... we have the luxury of being able to enjoy heat waves!

By INLUMINO at 20:20 on 04/07/09
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A plaza sounds perfect - but yes, without the bull-running. Maybe something like the Palio in Tuscany, but with donkeys? Flag throwing? No, seriously, a lovely central area for people to meet and relax, maybe with a nice deli for those who want to pick up a nice picnic at lunchtime, and a tapas bar for the evening - something local and tasteful. I REALLY like the idea of a fountain. Perhaps something that ties in with fossils and the Jurassic coast... fossils embedded into the paving, with some nice plaques that take you back through the geological timeline? Surely there must be some great local artists who could be commissioned - or something designed by a Community College student. What about a competition for some futuristic plans of the site?

By pedigree_chum at 17:37 on 05/07/09
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Excellent stuff pedigree_chum, lets keep it locally designed. We could all be involved. Keep the ideas coming!

By INLUMINO at 10:57 on 06/07/09
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A Sport Complex. The Rugby Ground is already in place. A proper sports indoor arena with seating for 400 and a restaurant. The indoor arena built so that it can accommodate regional competitions for badminton, table tennis, basketball, etc. An indoor pool to competition standards with spectator facilities. Sports Centres in this county (and much of the country) are parochial and built more for recreational purposes than for the advancement of sport.

By TheExe at 13:47 on 14/08/09
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