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Planning & Building Information

The Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) ‘Planning Brief – Seaton Regeneration Area’ envisages a mix of uses in the area of the site including up to 400 homes, live - work units, commercial and retail development, the Seaton Jurassic Coast Discovery Centre, community facilities and the Tramway Terminus.

The requirement for a visitor arrival and orientation facility is felt necessary for visitors to gain a total overview of the destination and also appreciate the range of other attractions Seaton has to offer. The prominence of the site, its relationship to the town centre and link to the future regeneration area makes it suitable for this use class above any other, and the mix of uses on offer (including retail and café) ensure a cultural/commercial sustainability on this specific site.

Seaton and its role within the World Heritage Site - The ‘gateway’ Discovery Centre will activate visitor behaviour to use the transport connections and help bridge the gap between various tourist, environmental and educational offers.

Factors considered when determining the size of the facility include:

  • Comparable UK visitor facilities
  • The size compared to the market demand (to determine the capacity requirements for each function)
  • The inter-relationship between functions and the project brief
  • The way that the facilities will be managed and programmed to cope with seasonal fluctuations, changes in demand, weather etc
  • Scale and effectiveness of existing/future visitor facilities within the Jurassic Coast area

The café, retail and reception area will be accessed from the main entrance and have a good street presence with a ‘shop window’ visible from The Underfleet. The outside seating area for the café will face south to maximise its use throughout the year. The reception desk and information area will be instantly visible upon arrival and the island-like form allows staff to survey the surroundings easily.

The layout of the public areas is dictated by flexibility of use, with a floor plate free of structural obstacles. Specialist exhibition designers will undertake the detailed layout of the interpretation area itself, with particular emphasis on the central themes for Seaton, The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the natural sites of international and regional importance.

Internal layout

The final configuration of the internal layout will be concluded through discussion with a preferred operator; however, the floor area of the primary exhibit area is envisaged to be a minimum of 40% of the overall space of 870 sq m. This leaves approximately 522 sq m (5620 sq ft) for retail/cafe and ancillary activities.

It is envisaged that a small area for the Seaton’s Tourist Information will be provided within the centre.

It is anticipated that the adjacent Underfleet car park will continue to be operated by EDDC. Arrangements for the parking of staff cars will be made with EDDC under agreement. The signage in and around the car park and visitor centre will be upgraded and installed by EDDC.

Page last updated on 25 May 2012