Promenade and Battery, area south of Marine Road West
In the short term, a housing remodelling and improvement project is proposed for Bold Street to tackle a specific problem of poor housing conditions. The intention, subject to detailed appraisals, is to acquire and demolish the North East side of the street, together with properties off back Winterdyne Terrace. The proposal is to develop new private sector housing on the cleared side of Bold Street in consultation with local people and having regard to the long-term future of Winterdyne Terrace.
The promenade is a major asset to the West End and provides a key link from the town centre to the West End, used by residents and visitors alike.
The TERN project has not been extended to this section of the promenade and the quality of the public space and visitor experience is poor, ending with the exposed Battery car park. The Sandylands Bathing pool is hidden from view, beyond the Battery site.
The area between the promenade and Marine Road West will be subject to major public realm improvements to create a visitor destination that draws people from the town centre into the West End and that enlivens the area. Consideration should be given to complimentary visitor facilities as part of the project (refreshment rooms etc) In order to strengthen the site as a visitor destination. Raising the gardens to exploit the views out over the bay (currently blocked by the sea defences) is worth considering and this may enable off street parking to be provided underneath, though this would have to be carefully managed to prohibit anti-social behaviour.
West End Gardens
Construction work has started in February 2008 to build a cafe and toilet block at the side of the West End Gardens. The cafe will be inkeeping with the new modern facilities on offer and will have a glass front and back so the views of the bay can be appreciated.
The newly renovated West End Gardens are open and have been attracting local residents and visitors alike in their droves.
The newly re-named section of the promenade gardens starts from Regent Road and continues to the Battery.
The gardens now include three separate play areas for children of varying age groups from 0-14 years, an interactive water feature, a public plaza, a viewing platform, new lighting and areas of landscaping with improved footpaths meandering through the gardens. It is a majorly improved space for residents’ and visitors to enjoy and the community has been involved throughout the redevelopment by consultation events. Students from heysham High School were involved in designing the 5 stunning pieces of artwork, based on the theme of the elements - the ‘hook’, ‘steel trumpets’, ‘frame’, ‘bench’ and ‘tidal clock’ represent earth, wind, water and fire.
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