Published: July 28, 2023 | Updated: 27th October 2023
Swanage Town Council has unanimously voted to adopt the Swanage Seafront Masterplan at its meeting on 24th July.
It follows two phases of engagement with the public.
Phase One, carried out between August to December 2022, saw more than 1000 people complete a survey and over 350 people attend events and engagement pop-ups.
Phase Two included a drop-in event attended by more than 130 people, along with a survey with 147 responses, the majority positive.
The opportunities highlighted by the masterplan were generally viewed favourably by the respondents – with the bulk of answers being ‘agree strongly’ or ‘agree somewhat.’
However, 46 per cent of respondents felt that the masterplan may have been missing an opportunity in one of the zones.
When broken down, these opportunities were often linked to the management of traffic – with the most popular responses being the pedestrianisation of Shore Road, making Shore Road one way and reducing parking along the seafront.
In response to this feedback, the results of both phases have been presented to Dorset Council Highways with a view to reviewing the management of traffic along Swanage seafront in 2024.
Further, an accessibility forum workshop found that the main priorities in terms of improvements for people with disabilities were the installation of an increased number of dropped kerbs, improved beach access and improvements for people with visual impairments, such as creating tonal and textural contrast.
These findings have been incorporated into the masterplan along with the development of the Disability Reference Group – a group for people with disabilities that can provide critical input to the development of projects and issues in Swanage.
Results from the survey and details of the minor amendments are available to view on the dedicated website to the masterplan.
Councillor Mike Bonfield, Lead Councillor for the Seafront Masterplan, said: “I am very pleased to announce that the Swanage Seafront Masterplan was unanimously adopted by the Town Council at the Council Meeting held on Monday 24th July.
“This is an aspirational document and the Council is looking forward to taking forward the masterplan, and the exciting opportunities the future may bring for improvements to the seafront and surrounding area.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to attend the public engagement events, and respond to the consultation surveys about the masterplan, it was very important for people to have their say regarding the long-term vision for enhancements to our wonderful, much-loved seafront area, which will be for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike for many years to come.
“I would also like to thank the Dorset Coast Forum Team for all their hard work and dedication to the project, which has been very much appreciated by the Town Council.”
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