Swanage coastal masterplan to create vision for the future

Community leaders are developing a masterplan for Swanage which will cover the area from the pier to the stream at Ocean Bay.

It is hoped the project will help Swanage Town Council and its partners to develop investment plans to improve the seafront.

Those behind the scheme hope this will help to enhance and protect the area’s heritage and coastal environment.

It will also identify new commercial opportunities to meet the needs of residents and visitors.

The masterplan project is being headed up by the town council in partnership with Dorset Coast Forum, an independent strategic coastal partnership that works with Dorset communities to promote, enhance and protect the Dorset coast.

Throughout the process of formalising the vision, the forum is seeking views of residents visitors and businesses through a dedicate website for an online survey, which is also available in paper form, an ideas board and several face-face consultation events.

James Mitchell, Dorset Coast Forum project officer, said: “We are seeking views from the local community, visitors, and businesses to inform the process. It is crucial we understand how the seafront is being used and how it is valued, but also what areas enhancements could be made.”

The survey has now gone live at dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk, with an information stall due to be at Swanage Market on October 7.

Drafting of the strategy will take place in early 2023 before a public consultation in spring, with an aim of having the final masterplan document published in mid-late 2023.

Organisers say the masterplan will take into account the seafronts range of activities and businesses, the Blue Flag beach and the community feel of the area which residents value.