Shelter design goes on display

The design for four new shelters along West Parade is on display in the De La Warr Pavilion as part of a consultation exhibition lasting until January 13.

A feedback form and ballot box alongside the model is asking the town to speak up, but the exhibition, unmarked by signs or information, has already attracted criticism from some members of the public who claim it is easily overlooked.

The work, by Duggan Morris Architects Ltd, was chosen last week by Rother District Council (RDC) after original winners Michael Tite and Tom Ebdon walked away from the commission because they were unable to meet funding and time restrictions surrounding the project.

Some aspects of their model have already been changed. The pink tree has been rejected, and alternative building materials are being discussed to replace the stainless steel.

The controversial decision to proceed with the second place design, which a jury panel had previously concluded was "not the right scheme" for Bexhill, was last week defended by Rother District Council Cabinet members, who said the design was "a tremendous improvement on the last one".

The consultation was hurridly arranged by RDC, who cannot afford more disruption. 220,000 funding for the shelter project is provided by Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), on the condition that four new shelters and a kiosk are built on Bexhill's seafront by September 2010.

Failure to meet this deadline will reduce CABE funding.

Jackie Bialeska, chair of the protest group Vox Pop, urged residents to comment on the design in a letter to the Observer this week, but cautioned: "There is now a little display of the shelters, a display so small you might miss it, on the second floor of the De La Warr.

"The tiny little model of the shelter is rather difficult to understand."

Feedback can also be emailed to RDC at [email protected]. For information visit www.next-wave.org.uk

At the time of going to to press, Rother District Council was unavailable for comment.

What do you think about Bexhill's new shelter design? How do you feel at the prospect of four of them along West Parade? Please leave your comments below.