Exmouth rom the air.
Credit: Still Imaging

The start of exciting new plans to regenerate sites across Exmouth town centre and its seafront are beginning, with the launch of public workshops and an online questionnaire.

The Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group – which is being led by East Devon District Council (EDDC) – is looking to gather residents’ and visitors’ thoughts on the key themes and characteristics they want to shape future developments. 

An online questionnaire, which went live today (Thursday, 23 June) and will close in around eight weeks, focuses on the future for Exmouth, looking for views on how various key sites can be improved.

Two workshops will be held for the general public on Thursday 14 July, from 7pm until 9.30pm, and on Sunday 31 July, from 10am until 12.30pm, at Exmouth’s Ocean Queen’s Drive on the top floor.

Two further workshops will be held for stakeholders and officials.

South West Research Company will also be conducting 400 on-street face-to-face interviews in July and August – 150 and 250 interviews respectively, on behalf of the council.

All the views gathered will be used to help shape developments in Exmouth town centre and seafront in the future.

Councillor Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council’s leader, said:

Exmouth is by far the biggest community in East Devon, and it is vital to listen to the opinions and wishes of local people.  We are very grateful indeed to all the town councillors, local residents and stakeholders who have advised us on how best to approach this new consultation and now look forward to hearing what everyone wishes to say. Thank you for taking part.

Cllr Nick Hookway, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder tourism, sport, leisure and culture, said:

At the first stakeholder session, which was held last Monday, there were many comments on how Exmouth needs to unlock the puzzle that visitors often experience when moving around the town centre to get to the Seafront. Exmouth is blessed with a superb seafront and together with the Exe Estuary Exmouth is an attractive place to visit. Exmouth is a lovely place to live and work in as well. However, there is a need to develop new places that will enhance the town, improve the visitor experience and provide better amenities for residents. New developments will lead to economic growth and provide job opportunities. 

EDDC would like to hear the views of residents as these new placemaking proposals are put forward. May I encourage as many residents as possible to take a few minutes to complete the consultation.

If you need a copy of this consultation on paper, in large print, or in any other format, please email:exmouthconsultation@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 519960 by Friday, 12 August to discuss.