Shape Exmouth's future

Survey asks for ideas on waterfront role and design

A new survey's launched for people to influence the future of Exmouth seafront.

East Devon District Council has spent the past few years amidst a mix of controversy and legal disputes delaying its ambition to inject a fresh look into the town. At one point, thousands of local people protested about plans for change, including giving notice on long-term leases held by family businesses. It's pressed ahead, and earlier this year appointed leading seafront regeneration designers Hemingway to draw up plans.

That company is now asking for everyone who has an interest in Exmouth's development, not just those who live or work there now, to take part. Thus people who visit, spend their holidays or used to live in the town are invited to complete it.

The survey, which has 19 questions, takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. In some points, it has multiple choice questions that appear to ask the blinding obvious ("would you like to the area to offer affordable food and drink") and seems oriented to attracting families and young people, even though it points out the town is under-represented by 16 to 34 year olds ("What are the things that might contribute to a more youthful town?"). As it goes along, the survey highlights selected facts about Exmouth, such as pointing out that daily visitors spend less than half the average in Devon.

The company says: "This is about the future of Exmouth, so as well as the regular folks who have their say, we want to hear from those who don't ordinarily bother with surveys or are too busy. We won’t stop till we get a diverse representative cross section of all ages from Exmouth and beyond.

Wayne Hemingway, of Hemingway Design, said: “Exmouth is a special place and the Queen’s Drive site presents a wonderful opportunity to give the visitor economy a shot in the arm and add to Exmouth’s attractiveness to residents and visitors. 

“The watersports centre will start to build out next spring and in the meantime the temporary uses in place are being well received. The Queen’s Drive portal [survey] is key to hearing what the views and ideas are of local people, visitors and businesses alike for the future of Queen’s Drive and its value to Exmouth as a whole."

Staff at Exmouth Town Hall can help people who don't have access to a computer to complete the survey. Personal details aren't collected by the survey, which has the downside the people can complete it as many times as they wish, although that wouldn't be in the spirit of the consultation.

You can take part at: https://www.hemingwaydesign.co.uk/exmouth-opportunities-queens-drive/