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EDDC hopes ‘every little will help’ as Tesco invests in Seaton

Tuesday 04 December

EAST Devon District Council has responded positively to news that the Seaton regeneration site has been acquired from Liatris Holdings Ltd by Tesco.

Councillor Peter Halse, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Economy, said of the news: “We look forward to hearing how Tesco, as the new owners of the site, propose to take forward the regeneration of this important development area and how many of our aspirations they may be able to help us deliver.

“We recognise that the bright future we all want to see for Seaton cannot be delivered without a carefully blended mixture of private sector money and EDDC support, plus a strong partnership with the community.

“EDDC is fully committed to achieving an holistic package that will deliver a sustainable regeneration outcome, in time transforming the town into a 21st century holiday resort and shopping centre, worthy of its key position as part of the Jurassic Coast. We will work tirelessly with all our chosen partners to get the best possible deal for Seaton.

“This is a complex set of proposals and there is a long way to go before we get the finished product. No doubt the shape and make-up of the package will change and evolve over that time, but we are determined to achieve significant improvements in the town”.

The Council’s long-term aspirations for Seaton include:

•Improving Seaton’s tourism offering – making improvements to the earlier proposals in order to address the issue of bed spaces and access to community facilities

•Additional housing, recognising the importance of affordability and sustainability

•Upgrading the retail offering

•A new employment site at Harepath Road

•A new sports pitch with changing rooms at Harepath Road

•Land acquisition to deliver EDDC’s exciting Wetlands Nature Reserve

•A world-class visitor centre that includes a cycle hub

•Strengthening the town centre management to ensure a smooth transition during construction works

•Improving links with the existing town centre

•Finding a way within the development area to provide community facilities – including gym provision

•Safeguarding the future of the tram company – a major and successful visitor attraction – as part of the overall package.

Mr Halse added: “EDDC is also committed to dealing with the need for a youth facility and we are open to options as to how to progress that – given that we need an assurance of consistent management of the facility.

“We want to work closely with all our partners, both in the commercial sector and in all levels of Government, to achieve this regeneration package.

“I will be informing my fellow councillors of the latest developments and a report will go forward to the Council’s Executive Board so that they may formally decide whether they wish to work in partnership with the new owners. We took a similar vote before we agreed to work with Liatris Holdings.

“The early signs are that there may be significant potential benefits from the involvement of a major brand that clearly shares our desire to drive forward the regeneration of Seaton. We propose to look at their plans very carefully and to hold further talks with them so that we can be assured that we have a relationship and a set of proposals that are up to the high standards we have set for this area”.

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