June 2009

Including the community in Next Wave - Spaceshaper Workshop 6th June 2009

ROTHER residents got to share their views on the design functions of the multi-million pound Next Wave project for Bexhill seafront on Saturday (June 6).

A representative cross-section of the community took part in the 'Spaceshaper' workshop, at the Mermaid, Bexhill, to help architects understand how people feel about the space and what would make the seafront better.

Those in attendance included local business owners, residents who live nearby, people with disabilities, members of the Save Our Seafront group, representatives from the Bexhill Wheelers cycle group, Bexhill High School students and others.

Their views will be examined by the Next Wave architect, HTA, to incorporate in their design.

The Next Wave project will see the regeneration of Bexhill's seafront to create a more attractive offer for visitors and residents. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) have given the scheme, which could total £5million, a £1million grant.

Members of the Spaceshaper group walked along the seafront, examined pictures, filled out questionnaires and went through a series of exercises and discussions with an independent facilitator.

Data from the questionnaires was input into specialist software during the event by a team of Rother officers who were not permitted to discuss the Next Wave project with the group, so as to ensure independent views came across during the workshop.

Project manager Janice Windle said: "This exercise will allow us to understand what functions seafront users would like Next Wave to achieve.

"Although certain design concepts are likely to remain, the results of Spaceshaper will help the architects to come up with a final design to make the seafront better and create a project we can all be proud of."

The results of this workshop will be published here soon.

HTA appointed lead consultant for the Next Wave scheme

Rother District Council has chosen Camden-based HTA as lead consultant on the 'Next Wave' scheme. HTA were chosen by an interview panel of Council officers, councillors and project partners. The award-winning architects have a successful background in public realm schemes. Design concepts for Next Wave will include; landscaping to encourage movement between the promenade, town centre and De La Warr Pavilion, new public spaces, improved pedestrian access, a new building for Bexhill Rowing Club, seafront shelters and the possible refurbishment of the Colonnade. HTA will further develop their designs for Bexhill's promenade through a 'Spaceshaper' workshop – a representative cross-section of the community who will give their views through a series of exercises and discussions with an independent facilitator.

Cllr Christopher Starnes, Next Wave project sponsor, said: "The standard of applicants was incredibly high, with several high-profile practices wanting the chance to work in Bexhill. I believe that is a testament to the unique and exciting opportunity Next Wave provides.

"HTA were the unanimous choice of the panel. We were impressed with their consultative approach to design and the clear technical and creative ability of their team.

"The seafront is Bexhill's greatest asset and the Council is determined to see it get the investment it deserves. We are confident that HTA, working alongside the Council, stakeholders and residents, will create a scheme for everybody."

Ben Derbyshire, HTA's managing director, said "HTA are absolutely delighted to be leading a placemaking team in this famous seaside location. The commission is indicative of our development as a design based multidisciplinary practice and a very satisfying endorsement of the role of our landscape team, led by James Lord. "We take a collaborative approach and we listen to the contribution local people have to make. And we have an enduring passion for the English seaside which will be making an increasingly important contribution to our well-being as the impact of climate change takes hold of our lives."

Work is due to start in early 2010.