Model shelters offer summer challenge

Bexhill's unique new seafront shelters have inspired a creative competition for young people in the town.

As part of Bexhill Museum's 'Summer Technology Challenge' youngsters are being invited to create a scale model of the structures that were installed recently as part of Rother District Council's £5m plus 'Next Wave' regeneration scheme.

The full-size shelters were selected through a competition run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and are one of the most notable of features of the seafront scheme which includes landscaping, gardens, a new park, restaurant and a water feature within a mile-long stretch of promenade.

An example model (pictured) has already been created by former museum chief executive Peter Fairhurst.

Now children who are off school this summer are being invited by Peter to try their hand at the museum in creating their own scale replicas of the shelters. 

The link up between Next Wave and the museum is an appropriate one, with the scheme aimed at channeling visitors to the attraction, as well as the nearby Egerton Park and De La Warr Pavilion.

The museum was re-launched at the end of July 2009 after a £2 million refurbishment and extension programme.

Bexhill Museum chairman John Betts said:  "We are always looking at ways to encourage the creative talents of our young people and what better way than to base a competition on these striking seafront shelters.

"The shelters have been created to inspire and this is an obvious example of the influence they can have."

For more information on Bexhill Museum visit www.bexhillmuseum.co.uk and take a look at the museum calendar for the 'Technology Challenge". The building is open seven days a week throughout the summer holidays.