Architects explain vision behind Next Wave

THE architects behind the plans for Bexhill's seafront gave a two-hour presentation to around 30 people on Friday.

Architect Simon Bayliss and landscape designer James Lord, both of HTA, showed images and explained the thought processes behind the designs for the controversial 5.1m Next Wave project.

The audience included Jean Bishop of Save Our Seafront, Jackie Bialeska of Vox Pop and Bexhill resident John Hodson as well as representatives from Bexhill Town Forum and the Rotary Club of Bexhill.

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Mr Bayliss told the audience: "We want to get more people coming here and spending money and making Bexhill a more prosperous place."

He said HTA has carried out detailed research into Bexhill's colourful history, which includes motor racing, John Logie Baird and the construction of the Modernist De La Warr Pavilion.

"We are working with an artist who has taken a great interest in the history of Bexhill.

"In many people's eyes Bexhill is perfect as it is. Change and innovation used to be welcomed in Bexhill and we feel this is quite ironic."

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Timber will be used in the construction of the new "unique Bexhill" benches, onto which memorial plaques will be transferred, and Mr Bayliss said the concrete used on the western part of the seafront would be of high quality.

The Metropole Lawn would layered into four terraces and turned into an open garden where people can have picnics, play football and just sit and admire the sea view.

The putting green will go.

Plans for the 20-metre Boulevard have been scrapped and replaced with a much smaller path to encourage pedestrian access to the seafront.

Jean Bishop of Save Our Seafront urged HTA to make sure the wall between the Metropole Lawn and the road would be high enough to prevent children from running into the road.

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Mr Bayliss explained that one of the ideas behind revamping the Colonnade was to encourage the De La Warr Pavilion to expand its programme and perhaps open in the evenings.

John Hodson objected to plans to install a staircase with a glass roof in the place of the Colonnade's central recess, which was originally designed to house a string band.

And Bexhill resident Ron Storkey questioned whether the kiosks included in the blueprint would be commercially viable, and whether temporary traders using them would undercut the cafe.

Mr Bayliss said the glass roof was "a great idea" and that it would give a light contemporary touch to the Edwardian structure as well as opening up the Colonnade to visitors approaching the structure from the De La Warr Pavilion terrace.

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And he said Mr Storkey's questions would fall under the remit of Rother District Council when hiring out the kiosks in terms of leases and covenants.

The ramp between the rowing club and the De La Warr Pavilion will be replaced by steps '“ a move which was questioned by former Town Forum chairman Ken Hutchinson.

Mr Hutchinson said the steps would exclude people in wheelchairs and Mr Bayliss replied that any replacement ramp in that place would be too steep by law for disabled people.

A water feature to encourage play is planned, as well as climbing surfaces and other play equipment for the very young.

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The water feature would take the form of jets in the concrete surface which can be turned on or off or on "low" as the weather dictates.

Mr Bayliss told the audience: "We want to encourage "natural play" '“ and we are avoiding installing springing chickens."

Regarding planting, Mr Lord told the audience there would be no trees thanks to Bexhill's harsh seaside environment and that hardy coastal species of shrubs and flowers would be used.

Mr Bayliss outlined the challenges HTA faced when designing Bexhill Rowing Club's new home '“ there was not quite enough space to accommodate the boats and other equipment.

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However he said the L-shaped designs, which extend underground, have taken the club's needs into account and have managed to fit everything in, including an essential washdown area at the front of the proposed building.

Vox Pop's Jackie Bialeska pointed out the plans were still considered "concepts" and asked HTA when the public would see the final designs.

The Rotary Club's wishing well and sundial have not been accounted for in the scheme, but the Sovereign Light Cafe will remain.