We want motor heritage built into seafront scheme, say traders

They want the town's motoring heritage reflected in the proposal.

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism has consulted extensively with its membership regarding Rotherl's planning submission to redevelop The Colonnade.

In a statement covering its response to the Colonnade planning application the chamber says: "It has not been able to do likewise with RDC's submission to CABE for the enlarged proposals for the seafront redevelopment, as these plans and schematics had not yet been placed into the public domain.

"However assurances have been given by RDC councillors that if the submission goes ahead 'the details of the "Next Wave" project (are) to be (the) subject of an exhibition at the Pavilion, with an opportunity for the public to present further views'.

"Therefore the following feedback regarding the Colonnade's redevelopment can not be made in the context of the whole proposal, which is extremely unfortunate.

"The first thing to highlight is that the Membership is extremely supportive of a redevelopment of the Colonnade per se and the seafront area in general. RDC should be congratulated on continuing to push forward the improvements to Bexhill's ambience, amenities and infrastructure. Our neighbours such as Hastings have not been shy of securing sizeable grant funding from which the town is already reaping sizeable returns by way of an improved local economy and improved quality of life to name but two. If Bexhill stands back from regeneration it will inevitably fall behind the likes of Hastings, Eastbourne, Rye, Dover, Brighton etc.

"The Colonnade area is clearly under-utilised at present in the 'summery' months and is a somewhat miserable and empty entity for the rest of the year. Its positioning at the heart of the promenade and within the general roam area of the De La Warr Pavilion suggest it has the potential to offer significantly more to both the Bexhill resident and visitor alike for 365 days of the year.

"RDC's current proposals intend that the Colonnade be redeveloped to provide retail and eatery provision. The Membership find this a questionable commercial approach for a number of reasons; namely

1) Why does RDC wish to put funding into eateries/bars when it is already funding a similar provision in the Pavilion. Why set up similar in competition?

2) De La Warr Heights has brand new commercial space on its ground floor offering more of the same. This has remained steadfastly empty for months.

3) Bexhill per se has an abundance of eateries and retail outlets; an increasingly worrying number of which are also 'To Let'.

4) There is little evidence that more of the same commercial provision, even if let, would bring any more residents or visitors into Bexhill than those who had already intended to do so; in which case this with be economically cannibalistic exercise rather than an additive one.

5) Due to the nature of the weather Bexhill experiences in 'non-summery' months, it is hard to see how these outlets will bring in custom 365 days of the year. We simply do not enjoy Monte Carlo's climate. Restaurateurs such as John Burton-Race can testify to the impossible nature of generating year-round trade of significance in a UK south coast seaside resort; and he had the benefit of both a TV series and a Michelin Star.

"The membership is clear that a covered year-round attraction is the favoured option. It will keep the economy of the town ticking through the off-season.

"This should be of appeal to residents and visitors alike and provide Bexhill with a must-see leisure "destination".

"Ideally it should also be of appeal to a good broad section of society, particularly families. This should help complement the Pavilion's main target audience, which appears to have a slightly different make-up.

"The main suggestion coming through is that we develop something out of our heritage which is both of great appeal but equally importantly unique to Bexhill.

"Being the birthplace of British Motor Racing is a very compelling place to start. Formula One, for example, is one of this country's great success stories. It is at the pinnacle of world motor racing, most of the teams are based here in the south of England (not Monte Carlo, please note!), its stunning design principles are of similar ilk to those of the Pavilion and to date there appears to be no major Formula One attraction in this country.

"The enduring success of the likes of Beaulieu and The National Motorcycle Museum are testament to the enduring commercial potential of such an attraction.

"An attraction at the Colonnade could also include a tourist information centre or partial TIC service with a suitable external partner.

"However this is just one idea that has come forward in a very short space of time and doubtless there will be more as members apply their creative and business acumen to this fantastic opportunity.

"The chamber respectfully asks that the nature of what goes into the Colonnade is reconsidered, in light of our findings from a cross section of the traders in the town, and that there is a greater degree of public consultation on this specific matter in the coming weeks and months than perhaps has taken place to date.

"The Chamber would also like to re-iterate its support for the redevelopment of the seafront per se and re-iterate its appreciation of the officers of RDC for continuing to push forward the economic regeneration of Bexhill with such vigour and energy."