5th May 2010

WEYMOUTH: More ideas to enhance town after dark

by Harry Walton

TWO new bridges were among ideas debated as part of a blueprint for Weymouth’s night-time future.

The bridges, which would link the Pavilion with the Nothe and Westwey Road with Commercial Road, were suggested during a second workshop for the Weymouth After Dark project.

Other ideas included a new multi-storey car park off Westwey Road, trams along the town centre railway line, improved lighting, more facilities and activities for families and young people and more bus stops and night services.

More quality restaurants, seafront cultural and arts attractions, cycle routes, a broader Pavilion development, moving the Swannery market into the town and sitting out areas overlooking the marina were also put forward for consideration.

The overall view of the workshop at the Hotel Prince Regent was that a dynamic blend of action and vintage attractions could hold the key to Weymouth’s future at night by changing public perception of it as a place some people were frightened to go out in after dark.

A four-point plan sought to make Weymouth welcoming , clean and safe with a vibrant choice and rich mix of entertainments and activities to make the resort a stimulating destination.

The workshop was attended by everyone from pub owners and police to hoteliers, councillors, clergy, leisure figures and traders all focused on re-planning Weymouth for the future.

Suggestions included a youth centre for young people under drinking age and more facilities and civic areas to encourage elderly people and families to use the town in the early evening.

All ideas emerged when the workshop split into groups which were each given a large map to fill in their vision of the right mix of uses in the right place for After Dark Weymouth.

Study team co-leader Richard Eastham said: “We were delighted at the enthusiasm and commitment from everyone at the workshop because they knew Weymouth has not been reaching its potential and needs to play more to its strengths.”

Weymouth and Portland regeneration manager Simon Williams said: “The workshop had a big turn-out and it produced very positive responses from people who clearly wanted to enhance the role of Weymouth and its nighttime economy for as wid ea section of the community as possible.”

The meeting was told that all their ideas would be pooled to produce recommendations in early summer.

PICTURE: IDEAS - Study team co-leader Richard Eastham (second right) with one of the workshop groups