New name for WDGC. A cross-sector framing of the cultural, heritage and natural environment offer locally

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1 Study Name: 'Public Realm Study' Action Plan Period 2016 to 2021 s Indicative Funding (total) Funding Lead, Source or Options 1. Marketing / Promotion of WDGC Area In line with Blue Sail's recommendations for the area as outlined within their WDGC Tourism Study there is a need for a strategy seeking to re-brand the area as a fantastic tourism destination. relation to the economy and community New name for WDGC area An increase in media coverage in the WDGC area A cross-sector framing of the cultural, heritage and natural environment offer locally An increase in civic pride and understanding of the diverse, local cultural offer Enhancement of cultural and heritage tourism New name for WDGC Specialist marketing company engaged Research and development undertaken Marketing campaign designed and launched Print and social media campaign Numbers of cultural visitors increased Cultural / heritage providers??? Sponsorship from local businesses Weymouth and Dorchester BIDs A positive impact on the economy of the WDGC area Evaluation undertaken / report produced Impact on local economy measured 2 Weymouth Town Centre Masterplan Projects' Water's Edge Walk: A 3 Stage Project for Temporary Space, Public Realm Improvements and Connections Strategy Stage 1 - design and construction of accessible, temporary, pop-up, multiuse space for installation in the site*. Potential for facility to be used elsewhere in the future. This is the first stage of 3 and is closely linked with the other 2. Stage 2 design and construction of permanent public realm enhancement scheme at the site*. This is the second stage of 3 and is closely linked to the other 2. Stage 3 - design strategy which outlines the issues and suggests design ideas for how connectivity between the enhanced water's edge site* and the rest of the town could be aesthetically enhanced. This is the third stage of 3 and is closely linked with the other 2. * The site: From Swannery car park along to and including Westham Bridge; beyond around the inner and outer harbourside walk and; to include connecting routes through to Weymouth town centre and sea front. Stage 1: Focussed and informative dialogue established between community / visitors, local authorities, design professionals, businesses and other stakeholders, in relation to development of site in its wider context. Create interest and attract footfall to this otherwise under-used area Other WDGC regeneration sites to benefit from flexible space in the future Positive economic impact on WDGC creative individuals and organisations Flexible space to engender community ownership and widespread support of improvement project on Water's Edge (and future schemes, when located elsewhere) Help establish an innovative identity and begin to create a cultural destination on the Water's Edge site, in preparation for a permanent public realm improvement scheme (see Stage 2) Enhancement of skills, knowledge and learning of children and local young people in relation to all activities reflected here. Stage 2: Enhanced public realm with embedded aesthetics Appeal of area greatly improved and quality standard set for future WDGC public realm schemes Improved first impression for first time visitors / attraction for visitors to return Local community's 'ownership' in area established through stage 1 Precedent / design template set for continuation of 'Water's Edge' route in Weymouth Increased footfall due to pleasant, attractive route from main visitor car park into town centre and beach Stage 1: Artist / architect / designer commissioned, based on brief which accompanies this study. Facility to celebrate contemporary design; hold aesthetic appeal and; be easy to access, to attract a wide cross-section of the community Design of space to ensure it is easy to dismantle, store and transport for use in other sites as required. preferably with local knowledge engaged to commission flexible spaces and deliver community engagement as part of design team's concept development for Stage 2, below. Dialogue achieved through meetings, exhibitions, talks, installations and small businesses' use of the flexible space Use of flexible space to be programmed and booked according to need by appropriate organisation. Facility to be made available for pop-up exhibitions, small craft markets, workshops and other activities by local artists and makers. Local catering companies to provide pop-up facilities within the space, as appropriate. Space to bring together all stakeholders in dialogue about future improvements to Water's Edge site and connecting routes into beach and town Dialogue to inform designs of future Water's Edge improvement scheme and its relationship to the beach and town centre. Stages 1, 2 and 3 Dorset Councils Commissioned artist / architect / designer Visitors and creative practitioners Weymouth College Local schools Stage1: 50K 50K Stage 2: 600K 400K Stage 3: 50K Total 1,150,000 BIG lottery fund (matched) Dorset Councils Attractive enhancement of current cycle route through site, as part of wider, existing network. Use of space to be prioritised for meetings, presentations, discussions and exhibitions relating to design team's ideas for the Water's 1

2 Enhanced provision as part of town's cultural offer Edge walk (in preparation for Stages 2 and 3) s Indicative Funding (total) Funding Lead, Source or Options Increased opportunity for business investment Articulation / celebration of local area's natural environment and heritage - including important historical routes through the town Enhancement of currently underused area and increased appeal to wider demographic of visitors Improved way-finding / legibility Activities within flexible space to be widely publicised to attract increased numbers of visitors to the site and the town. Work with Weymouth College and local schools to recognise and implement opportunities for students' involvement in this project. This is especially relevant to creative studies. Improved pedestrian and cyclists' permeability to beach and town centre shops Provide a site where town centre festivals and arts events can be held (please refer to WDGC study by b-side and Activate, which cites this as a potential key site for these activities) Design solutions which are contemporary but within which heritage and culture of place are celebrated and certain architectural assets maintained Enhancement of skills, knowledge and learning of children and local young people in relation to all activities reflected here Stage 3: Stage 2: engaged to manage commissioning process and project delivery Multi-disciplinary design team commissioned, based on brief which accompanies this study. Community engagement events and workshops to take place within flexible structure space described in Stage 1, above Signage and way-marking commissioned possibly as part of town-wide scheme, or bespoke for the site Raised awareness of potential scope for improving connectivity between inner harbour water's edge, through town centre to beach Catalyst for future design commissions to be undertaken within Masterplan area Understandings of how to achieve better articulated and signposted streets and pathways to aid delivery of Masterplan Provision of infrastructure to accommodate art installations, markets, cultural and leisure events and festivals (please refer to WDGC study by b-side and Activate, which cites this as a potential key site for festivals and events) Site designs constructed through retention of design team as project managers and their selection of trusted contractors Generation of ideas for improving experience of exploring town Understanding of how other towns have addressed the issues Awareness of the costs associated with design ideas for connectivity scheme Basis on which to raise funding to achieve further projects within Masterplan area Business leaders and community ownership of ideas for delivery Work with Weymouth College and local schools to recognise and implement opportunities for students' involvement in this project. This is especially relevant to creative studies. Stage 3: Production of Connections Strategy to connect water's edge walk with town and sea front. Generation of ideas for improving footfall and spend in town. Costed commissioning plan Community engagement to ensure interests represented of traders and local community, using temporary structure described in Stage 1. Collaboration between appointed design team and other public realm design professionals 3 'South Street' Linkage Improvement Project in Dorchester From the South Street junction with New Street to the South Gate junction / southern junction of New Street at Trinity Street. Please accompanying brief. relation to the economy Enhanced public realm with embedded aesthetics Appeal of area improved and quality standard set for future WDGC public realm schemes Improved first impression for new visitors / attraction for visitors to return Increased footfall / better pedestrian connections Positive economic impact on local businesses at lower end of South Street. engaged to manage commissioning process and project delivery Experienced artist commissioned, based on brief which accompanies this study. of scheme following development of high quality concepts and subsequently, detailed designs. Improved connection / articulation of the walking route between Dorchester South Railway station / Brewery Square and the Dorchester Town Council Highways Engineers 50K 50K Total 100K Dorchester Town Council 2

3 Precedent / design template established for potential future use in upper stretch of South Street and elsewhere Enhanced, cultural provision as part of town's offer Increased opportunity for business investment Improved way-finding / legibility Design solutions which are contemporary but within which heritage and culture of place are celebrated Cross-discipline practice established, leading to aesthetic solutions town centre / North Square. Attracting people to explore further down South Street and to begin their journey into the town centre from the South Gate junction Ideas emerging from the design process i.e. lighting, surface treatments and signage - could be applied elsewhere in the town to enhance local distinctiveness and identity. Attracting businesses to invest in the lower end of South Street. Commissioned artist to use feedback from recent community engagement and information from Dorchester history archives to identify themes for inclusion in designs. s Indicative Funding (total) Funding Lead, Source or Options Commissioned artist to work directly with engineers in identifying / delivery of appropriate design solutions. Highways engineers contractors to construct scheme, retaining artist to oversee artistic interventions 4. 'Castletown' public realm improvements on Portland From the mini roundabout at Osprey Leisure Centre, along Castletown, to the entrance to Portland Port. Please see accompanying brief. Access to skills and learning for all Create striking first impressions for passengers disembarking cruiseliners at Portland Port and Provide a memorable public realm with embedded aesthetics to serve as gateway to Portland, Weymouth and Dorset Establish Castletown as a cultural destination for visitors from Portland and the mainland. Provide enhanced, cultural provision as part of Castletown's offer and as an important backdrop to the area's wider regeneration initiative. Provide design solutions which are contemporary but within which heritage and culture of the area are celebrated Celebrate the industrial, maritime and social heritage of Castletown and strengthen its links with the rest of Portland. Improve way-finding / legibility for walkers wishing to explore the Isle of Portland Improve appeal of local area and set a quality standard for future WDGC public realm schemes Positive economic impact on local businesses in Castletown engaged to manage commissioning process and project delivery Experienced multi-disciplinary design team commissioned, based on the brief which accompanies this study. Design team to research recent engagement projects and engage and maintain ongoing dialogue with local community through workshops and other events. Develop concept designs based upon stories emerging from community engagement Deliver high quality scheme on the basis of detailed designs. Use of signage to improve connections between Castletown and the walking routes and other attractions of Portland and invite people to explore further afield Highlight the improved connections and image to engender more businesses to invest in Castletown. Derek Luckhurst Agincare (delivering regeneration programme in Castletown) Portland Town Council Highways Engineers Portland Community and other community groups Local residents Portland Port Authority Total 550K Private donation Port Authority Dorset Councils Increased opportunity for business investment Design solutions which are contemporary but within which heritage and culture of place are celebrated Create a new image for Castletown Enhancement of skills, knowledge and learning of children and local young people in relation to all activities reflected here Commissioned design team to work directly with engineers in identifying / delivery of appropriate design solutions. Site designs constructed through retention of design team as project managers and their selection of trusted contractors Work with Weymouth College, Ipaca and local schools to recognise and implement opportunities for students' involvement in this project. This is especially relevant to creative studies. Produce publicity materials which reflect the regeneration of the area and attract visitors to spend time locally. 3

4 5 Specialist Advocacy and Support: For Strategic Preparation of Public Realm Projects' delivery (excluding project management - to be addressed on a project by project basis) Access to skills and learning for all Awareness-raising, skills sharing and collaborative approach to place-shaping Strengthen collaborative decision-making between specialisms involved in shaping and maintaining public realm Enhanced partnership-working around public realm commissioning Best practice established for delivery of public realm projects Develop understanding of spatial aesthetics in public realm improvements and the role of the artist as part of a multidisciplinary design team Promote understanding of the need for appropriate timetables for public realm commissioning Engage specialist organisation to: guide development of 'place-shaping' working group advise on planning policy development (please see point 9 below) deliver advocacy / training highlight best practice / appropriate case studies help identify and shape priority projects (please accompanying design team / artist briefs points 4, 5 and 6 above - as part of this Study) s Indicative Funding (total) Funding Lead, Source or Options crossdepartmental representatives with remit for 'placeshaping. 25K - 30K (over initial two years of 5) The Arts Development Company (formerly Arts team) Other foundations and grant-making trusts Development of a shared vision and quality standard in public realm improvements, which ensures introduction of contemporary design and celebrates local heritage. of shared vision for 'place' through priority projects help establish appropriate commissioning and procurement processes run commissioning processes and project manage through to delivery Understanding of the role of architectural and built heritage assets in place shaping research and advise on external funding opportunities Strengthen ability of planning authorities to determine and guide development of public realm schemes and secure financial contribution Enhance opportunities to attract other funding for public realm projects Establish appropriate processes for delivery of high quality public realm projects with early design team engagement Enhance the role of community engagement in place-shaping projects of world class public realm schemes 6. Weymouth Pavilion: resh of Marketing Strategy, Building urbishment and Public Realm Enhancement Project Access to skills and learning for all Uplift in the appearance of the building and its adjacent public realm Provide the building with 360 degree visual appeal Celebration of the building as an architectural icon in a key location between Weymouth beach and its harbour Celebration of the Pavilion as Weymouth's primary cultural institution Wider commercial appeal among community and visitors leading to an increase in audience numbers. Enhanced revenue income Extended life span for the building Improved publicity and promotion Enhanced cultural offer of the venue Catalyst for further regeneration of Pavilion peninsula Detailed condition survey / cost plan to be carried out by specialist restoration company Essential remedial works to be carried out Development of design brief for building's internal and external refurbishment and adjacent public realm to include (though not exhaustive): Removal of draped banners from external facades and from within glazed apertures of building urbishment of illuminated 'Pavilion' sign on north facade of building urbishment of copper roof and artefacts urbishment of building's exterior Stripping back of external renders to assess whether original architecture's aesthetic detail has survived Weymouth Pavilion CIC Specialist company - conservation surveyors Multi-disciplinary design team and public art consultant Experienced artists Specialist marketing company??? Coastal Communities Fund Grant making trusts and Foundation Re-modelling of the building's rear east facing facades Retention of original features where possible 4

5 Introduction of sensitive, contemporary interventions where necessary s Indicative Funding (total) Funding Lead, Source or Options Public art strategy / commissions plan. This could include integration into refurbishment solutions for lighting, use of colour, sculptural forms, digital interventions, textiles, surface treatments etc Introduction of hard and soft landscaping to newly formed public realm area to replace car park to west of building Community engagement to be central to development of public art designs for building and public realm. Design team to be retained as project managers using their own specialist subcontractors Specialist marketing organisation to be engaged Pavilion's marketing strategy to be revised with a view to updating and introducing digital technology / platforms to replace traditional methods New marketing plan to be implemented to coincide with opening of refurbished Pavilion Evaluate project for best practice and economic impact 7. Signage Project for WDGC Increased legibility / accessibility in WDGC area Increase in revenue to local business and attractions Increased likelihood of visitors returning to area Branding / image for area improved Brief to be developed for re-design of signage within three towns in WDGC and for linking connections between them Locally distinctive schemes for each town to reflect distinct heritage / character of place but relate to wider signage scheme. Wider signage scheme to encompass those within each place and to bring designs together to form a unique identity for WDGC area. Signage company to be engaged Design company - production of signage strategy Fabricators and installation specialists 3 million Key points mapped for positioning of signage to aid pedestrian and cyclist navigation Strategy for appearance, materials, design to be produced in consultation with stakeholders, along with identification of key locations to which to signpost Cost plan produced as part of strategy Parson's Brinckerhoff WDGC access and movement study has looked at this for Weymouth use findings as a starting point Signage manufacturer as proposed by creators of signage strategy - to be engaged to fabricate and instal in line with above work Decluttering of WDGC area due to removal of unnecessary signage 5

6 8 Review of Current Public Realm Studies and Plans for the WDGC Area Strengthen the policy framework around public realm design and public art intervention Enhance ability to attract developer planning contributions for public art and public realm design Ensure high quality design of public realm, including public art interventions where appropriate Strengthen need for retention of architectural, heritage assets in public realm improvement projects. During review of Local Plan, include mention of how Public Art and creative approaches to design can enhance local character and contribute to cultural heritage. Consider development of Design Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), for WDGC area, to establish ethos of public art as an important place shaping tool and to include guidance for commissioning s Indicative Funding (total) Funding Lead, Source or Options Dorset Councils To revise 2006 Esplanade Plan 30K Other work N/A Enhanced ownership of community in public realm projects Describe how art plays a significant role in place-shaping, through scheduled reviews of existing SPDs Establish methods of securing appropriate investment and commitment from local authorities to ensure quality enhancement of public spaces through materials, design, implementation and maintenance. Develop strong case for allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy funding for public art / public realm design, alongside competing infrastructure projects Brief developed to commission appropriate organisation to revisit Watkins: Dally 2006 Weymouth Esplanade plan. This will help to inform the ultimate flood defence solution for the town Processes within planning policies to be revisited, to ensure community engagement is an integral part of public realm project development Evaluate projects for best practice and economic impact END 6