Latest news with #waterfrontrevamp
The Sun
22-05-2025
- The Sun
Historic seaside town with England's most valuable port set for £750k revamp – including improving watersport facilities
Roisin Chapman, Lifestyle Reporter Published: Invalid Date, THE stunning home of England's most valuable port is set to undergo a major waterfront revamp. Brixham Harbour will see upgrades to public walkways as well as watersport facilities. 3 3 Brixham is located in the south-west of England and has an estimated population of around 16,781. The town, which is an hour drive from both Exeter and Plymouth, dates back to the Saxon period, when it first established itself as a fishing hub. By the mid-nineteenth century, the town boasted the largest shipping fleet in the country at 250. As the industry continued to expand, boatyards and fish markets set up around town and maritime-related work became the norm for the area. The port has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history, from the landing place of William of Orange to the home for the Royal Navy during World War II. It is also the site of countless shipwrecks over the years, with local legend claiming wives of fishermen would take belongings to the beach to burn them as a way of guiding their men home. Nowadays, the harbour is a bustling hub, setting a new record in 2022 by landing £60.8 million for the year. The harbourside area is now set for a £750,000 improvement development. This includes the installation of new solar smart compacting bins that will prevent overflow and the mounting of LED festoon lighting around the harbour for increased safety. Dilapidated seating and benches will also be replaced along the seafront and seasonal feature planting, such as hanging baskets, will be added to brighten up the area. The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters Improving access and public safety around the harbour and fishing port is also an aim of this initiative. Water sports in the area will also benefits as the project will provide safe launching, landing, and mooring facilities for paddleboard and kayak users. Directional signage will also be improved to enhance visitors' experiences. And finally, the harbour railings, pillars, lamp posts and the Quay Market structure will all be touched up and repainted. Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth at Torbay Council, spoke to the BBC about the planned improvements. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound"vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' "Brixham is already a vibrant and welcoming place, and we hope the £750,000 of public realm improvements will further enhance the area for residents and visitors," he said. As well as strolling the scenic harbour, visitors to the town can also visit the small shingle beach or take a dip in the Shaolstone Seawater Pool, open from May til September. History buffs can visit one of the towns many musuems, including the Golden Hind Ship Museum, which is located in the harbour itself. Or your can enjoy the picturesque scenery including the local architecture, such as the nineteenth century cottages built overlooking the water. There are a variety of local eateries to choose from, with seafood being an expected theme in most. And you can pick from a variety of local hotels and B&Bs, beginning from £95 per night. 3
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Seaside town among UK's oldest undergoes £10m makeover to historic outdoor pool – and the plans for area's iconic pub
A HISTORIC seaside town will be given a new lease of life with a waterfront revamp and a pub renovation. The coastal area, which is one of the UK's oldest settlements, is set to reopen an outdoor swimming pool closed since the '90s. 4 4 Tynemouth, located just a 23 minute drive from Newcastle, has a population of around 62,880. The headland area dates back to the Iron Age and the town's history over the centuries is still evident through the local architecture. In the 1920s, a swimming pool was opened on the town's seafront, adjacent to one of the area's three sandy beaches. The outdoor lido was a popular spot among locals and tourists over the decades, before eventually closing and falling into disrepair in the mid-1990s. Now, work is underway to restore the 25 metre pool back to its glory days. Michael Wood, of the Friends of Tynemouth Outdoor Pool, spoke to the BBC about the pool's reopening, describing it as a local "gem". Once restored, it is expected that to welcome around 50,000 paid-for swims each year. Additionally, there will be membership schemes, events, and food and drink facilities, making the outdoor pool "a sustainable business". The project is set to cost a total of £10 million, almost double the initial estimate from 2016 due to a rise in construction costs. Elsewhere, the town's iconic Gibraltar Rock pub is set to undergo its own transformation. Seaside town A local favourite, the combined bar and restaurant underwent a "major renovation", reports Chronicle Live. Overlooking King Edward's Bay, the venue has been closed since December 2023 for the ambitious remodel. Patron capacity has almost doubled with new areas of the building opening to the public for the first time, offering even more stunning views. A spokesperson for the location's new owners MCN Hospitality discussed the summer 2025 opening. 'The Gibraltar Rock is an iconic hospitality venue with spectacular views of Tynemouth," they said. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound"vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' "It is a great opportunity for us to restore an old business and bring it back to life with a new concept and join the already busy Tynemouth hospitality scene. They detailed plans to open a restaurant and dining area upstairs, knocking down walls at the rear of the building to provide "Tynemouth's newest and best panoramic views of Kind Edwards Bay". 'Downstairs will be an informal bar and dining area; you can expect pub classics and light meals, drinks, cocktails, and real ales with a modern contemporary vibe. "The renovation downstairs will also include bi-folding doors leading out to our new outdoor seating area at the side and the rear overlooking The Priory." The Gibraltar Rock is one of many eateries in the area, while there is also a variety of accommodation options available, with rooms from just £65 per night. Visitors choose from countless activities, including Tynemouth Makets, the Priory and Castle, and the local aquarium. 4
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Seaside town named among UK's most affordable places to live set for huge £6million waterfront revamp
A SEASIDE town named as one of the most affordable places to live in the UK is set to get a brand new £6m waterfront revamp. The beachside project is set to include a two-storey restaurant and cafe area. 6 Jubilee Parade will also include three new leisure concession units, public toilets and changing facilities. A new lift will also be installed to improve access to the seafront for beach-goers with mobility issues and pushchairs. It comes as a recent report by property portal Zoopla highlighted Lowestoft, in Suffolk, as one of the most affordable places to live in the UK. Zoopla found that 80% of towns in the south of England now have average prices more than four times household income. 6 Wisbech in Cambridgeshire is the only town in the south of England with prices below three times income while Lowestoft, Wisbeth, Great Yarmouth and Peterborough were among the most affordable towns. The £6 million waterfront revamp is expected to make the town even more attractive to homebuyers – though it's been a lengthy process with completion of the project now expected 'later this year' following delays in the tendering process. The delays also mean the project will not be completed in time for the popular First Light Festival in the town, which celebrates the summer solstice in June. The quaint seaside town holds an interesting claim to fame as it's the first place in the UK to see sunrise each morning. 6 The beach town is home to Ness Point, the UK's most easterly point. Overlooking the sea, Ness Point is marked by a large metal plate on the ground. Deck chairs are often spotted along the promenade, with visitors travelling throughout the night during the summer solstice to watch the sunrise. The redevelopment of facilities comes after East Suffolk Council was awarded £4.3 million through the Government's Levelling Up Fund in March 2023. A further £600,000 investment from East Suffolk Council's capital programme pushed the total cost of the project to just below £5 million. 6 With planning permission granted early last year, the project - which forms the third phase of the Jubilee Parade vision, with the development to complement the Eastern Edge beach huts next to it - started in April last year. It saw the existing 1930s structures on Jubilee Parade demolished, with the promenade extended onto the beach, as Sunrise at Zak's relocated to a temporary building nearby and temporary toilets were installed. This first phase of works was completed last summer. 6 The second phase of the project - involving the construction of the main building - was initially expected to start in June last year, and expected to be completed by Spring 2025. But with delays in the tendering process for the second phase and increased costs - which has seen the total cost of the overall scheme now reach £6 million - work started around three months later in September. This has now pushed the overall timeframe for completion of the second phase back. This week the council said that while "funding for the entire project has been secured," and it "remains scheduled for completion later this year," it will not however be complete by the time the First Light Festival opens in June. The up-and-coming English seaside town with cheap booze and huge beaches A council spokesman said: "The first phase of construction was completed last summer, with some beach huts moved to create space for temporary toilets and cafe to be installed. "The existing structures were demolished, and the promenade extended onto the beach. "After a pause for the summer season, the second phase of construction began in the autumn last year and remains scheduled for completion later this year. "So far, the second phase of work has focused on engineering works to secure the site, including foundations and piling. "These works are progressing well." 6 The council said the lift will connect the Upper Esplanade with the Lower Promenade, providing access to the restaurant space and first floor Eastern Edge beach huts. The council spokesman added: "Work on the structure of the building will begin upon completion of the ground works. "The new complex will greatly improve the facilities on offer at this part of the seafront and will also increase seafront access for everyone, and we are looking forward to its completion later this year. "We have seen increased costs however funding is secured for the entire £6m project. "In August last year, the council took the decision to reallocate funding from the railway station project to provide further support for key Lowestoft regeneration projects, including Jubilee Parade. "The construction will not be complete by the time of the First Light Festival, but will be completed later in the year."
