General Discussion
VISION
Lets start a different train of thought.
What are peoples visions of the Town Centre to survive say the next 25years
The key will certainly be to provide value for money for everyone that visits town.
My thought would be a move from retail shopping to entertainment. As money gets tighter and harder to earn people will do more of their shopping on line in an effort to control what they spend, its so easy to get carried away in a big store.
After that they are going to want some fun in their lifes without having to pay Londons Olympic type prices
It maybe that the top of town Queen St to the bandstand and across to Brunswick retain its oldey worldey quieter nature aimed generally at the older folk . Whillst further down toward the beach we could have more intense colourfull lighting with more of a carnival, fun fair atmosphere. What about an Eden Project type of cover thing over the entire lawn . Redesign the brook to be more of a feature with bigger waterfalls, deeper pools with real fish, underwater lighting etc
Instead of knocking the likes of Harrisons and David Rowland how about we just give them a summer season without all the usuall red tape rubbish to see if they can bring more life to the place.
What about something different. Like organised games for the kids, real animals on the lawn during the day to compliment the rather boring duck house. Proper Circus. A giant stage with huge video screens built over the top of the railway viaduct for live entertainment music, comedians, open stage nights etc. Just for once lets relax the regulations on noise, dress code and the rest and lets have a summer of fun. What about an illuminated train like Blackpool running from the Warren to town. or a licensed disco, booze train from Teignmouth to Dawlish
Oh and if you think ive forgotten about paying for it. Think free advertising in exchange for equipment and labour. The more illuminated signs as in Las Vegas the better. Ask the Co-op etc to move away from their boring old cooperate image and get their shop front done up with the latest LED lighting and moving characters, same goes for Natwest and the rest.
Ive allready suggested that Exeter speedway should be allowed to build a new track on the Warren afterall they have the money in the bank waiting, this could also be a dog track, show jumping arena, concert venue, football, rugby, market. Tthe options are endless
UNFORTUNATLEY THE MONEY ISEN'T, but dont get down hearted it could be if we just give things a chance
We need new ideas and the willingness to get it done, not the old school banging on about how many different bins we need and global warming crap and how everything should be one big bird sanctury. What people really want and need in their lives is FUN.
How about a marina big boats, jet skis, floating resteraunt that sort of thing ?
Now that is really imagination running riot, lol but a lot of feasible ideas. I like the Eden Stle Project and the revamp of the Brook. If we covered the Lawn just think what an all round attraction we could have.!!!!!!! I also like the idea for the Warren Id be in favour of Speedway and Dog Racing something for us older ones, and gigs for the younger generation, what about a multi entertainment centre with all the new housing thats being built should be on to a winner there.
I would still like Dawlish to retain its shops though but diversify to more variety. We could do with some reasonably priced clothing outlets, Marks and Spencers Outlet maybe Top Shop or Top Man. Also maybe a shop selling produce of Europe may do well. Charity shops may become less then.
Down at Tucks Plot maybe Dave Rowlands or Harrisons could incorporate a childrens adventure site say up to age 12 and if it was manned maybe would not get vandalised.
Ahem! With all the new (and existing) housing both at the Warren and in Dawlish do you think the residents would really want all that noise? And the campers?
Don't think so somehow.
Your comment just about sums it up. Same Old Same Old. This is about something new and ways to move foward to ensure the area prospers, not about the old school moaners that probably wont surrvive the next 25 years anyway, they can move to Eastbourne with their pensions and wait for god there in peace and quiet. This town needs to move on or curl up and die with the moaners, why should the dozen or so residents privilaged enough to live on Warren Road etc be able to dictate to the rest of us. Iam sure the people on Shutterton lane dont want their lovely properties surrounded by Barratts cheap and nasty wood huts or by Sainsbury's car park but its happening. We need to make things happen here, and now before we are left behind and the money goes to other more pro-active towns.
Thought a lot of the elderly have already moved to Dawlish with their pensions and are presently whiling away their time awaiting their final destination. No need to go to Eastbourne.
I'm not talking about a dozen or so residents being affected by noise. Noise travels vast miles. Last summer there was a rave somewhere over Haldon Forest area. That noise could be heard at the Warren and in Dawlish and did annoy the campers - ask the campsite owners.
Tell you what, why don't you 1. Put all your ideas in your manifesto (if you stand for election to the town council that is) and/or 2. Write a letter to the Gazette with your thoughts and ask for comments.
More people read the Gazette then look on here I am sure.
Thanks Lynne, but already done all that. All my ideas on the Strand thread where sent in a letter to the Conservative led council in 2008 as an alternative use for the Shutterton site. The promised response from a certain Mr Hockin never materialized and so it was passed to the Gazette for another waste of time.
To be honest Lynne I think Wondering is right leave the place as it is to rot in peace and forget about its future survival.
You, myself and others should probably spend our time and efforts somewhere more appreciative
Sorry Lynne but forgot to add the rave you mentioned was in the fields behind St Mary's cottages, was perfectly legal and arranged locally as a birthday party. The campers were only upset because they weren't invited and ask for the site owners Tuff time they realised there not the only ones who can do what they like.
If you want tinsel town move to Torquay, the 'oldie worldy' is the appeal of Dawlish. Go to London, Birmingham, or any other ciy if you want noise excitement and pay as you go adventure. As for the crinkly and Eastebourne comments give it 25 years and if your lucky enough to survive you will be one. Community is about the involvement acceptance and sharing of all the community not just the few with the biggest wallet or mouth. Look what's happened to the Warren, gone from friendly to naff commercial, blimey it's £2.00 to go for a stroll to the bird hide. We have been taken from the land, do we ewant to be taken away from the weather, check out geo environmental engineering if you are undecided. We have a vast covered area in Dawlish where you can spend all of those silvery coins, lots of neon and electronic pippy sounds. Boring duck house, you sound like someone who has not travelled far, particularly in this country. Probably due to the cost of petrol, or public transport. The future considerations for Dawlish should encorporate a support tfor people to come together for the joy of mixing not for the commercial benefit of the few that have the capital to invest. Gigs on the green have been successful of the years, cover it up just like Tescos hey, Milton Keynes on sea. Nasty weather. Keep the ideas coming its great to see them but also try to go above the commercial consumerism trash thatsw being pumped out all of the time by the media.
Thanks Trojanspirit.
Nice try but prior to moving to Dawlish from Yorkshire 14 years ago due to ill health I was the European sales manager for a world leading Scandanavian Electrical company I travelled constantly between factories in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Spain in addition to this my average weekly car mileage in the Uk was about 1200/week guess I might have travelled a bit then. This thread however is about new ideas for the Area. Do you have any
I think the idea for covering the lawn area was to extend its use into the winter months for more than a quick freezing dash round with the dog. Also to add a bit more proection against the rainy summer days. If bracing Winter walks are your thing we have the seafront and Dartmoor on our doorstep.
As for being a crinkly Im a bit closer to it than you might think, but I still like loud Rock music, fast cars and bikes good lookin women and will still do things for a laugh. I love the fun fair, disco's and the odd booze up, but as for sitting by the lawn watchin ducks come on get with it
The party may have been perfectly legal (but didn't someone get done for possession/dealing?) but it was NOISY and extremely intrusive.
Don't know where you got the info that the campers were only upset because they weren't invited. That's not what I heard from campsite owners. Far from it. Campers were upset because of the thud, thud, thud of the noise emanating from the party.
And.......a party by St. Mary's Cottages?. OMG just how much nearer to the campsites could that have been held!?
Very thoughtful (NOT) of the organisers.
One night out of 365/year big deal. Me and a load from LM camp went to find it for a laugh but got stopped by the local bill who thought they had the power to close it down,, turned out they were wrong. Private land, private party n all that. No doubt the complaints came from the same people who tried to get the Powderham concerts stopped, miserable bas*****
This still isen't a new idea for the town though is it !!!
One night out of 365 is one night too many for me with the noise that it was making. You wonder why the police turned up? They'd received god knows how many complaints about it I expect.
More nights like that and word will quickly spread (courtesy of the internet no less) that having a camping holiday at Dawlish is not recommended because of the noisy nights keeping everyone (and don't forget the babies and the kids) awake.
And you say you care about the local economy? Can't see it myself, not if you are advocating that it's okay for there to be lots of night time noise.
Bye, bye campers (and the money you bring).
Speaking of bringing in money to the area and not just lining the pockets of the camp site owners who as it happens already have plenty
Do you have any idea how many people would actually attend a properly organized event of that nature and thus how much money they would spend on food, booze etc before and after such an event. My son works in that industry and let me tell you the air show crowd would appear small by comparison.
Dont forget its their generation that have the jobs , the money and the future. We really ought to listen to them.
Smokey's thread is about new ideas not the usual moaning groaning about individuals and one off activities
Anything that is organised will be subject to a time closure anyway like the Muse concert was, also Speedway Dogs Funfair etc, sorry Lynne do you not think the "campers" might look forward to these sort of events after all there is no other entertainment on offer in the area Im on the wrong side of 55 but would love it. I did not start this thread to start moaning again Im worn out with all the negatives and politics lets embrace the future and try and look positively how we can improve our area and meet the challenges head on
Something that is well organised and well publicised well in advance of its taking place (so that those who did not wish to holiday here at that time because of the noise level would know not to do so) is one thing. Impromptu raves are quite another.
Things that are well organised and are thus subject to a time closure also fine by me - cos they won't be all night raves will they?
And also those of us who live here, and who don't want the noise/wish to attend will know in plenty of time to make alternative arrangements (if we can) so that we are not in Dawlish when the music takes place. Again a different scenario from that of unpublicised raves that are not subject to time closure.
I was referring to all night noise (thud, thud, thud, of music) not noise that takes place in the evening say, up to, 10.00pm or 10.30pm max.
Oh no here we go again. Same old nothing new
Keep the noise down shut everything at 10.30 go to bed like good little children don't drive, don't smoke, don't drink.
Why not advertise that in the holiday brochures Come Stay In Old Time DAWLISH relax in the walk only town and enjoy the smelly charity shops. Stay on the popular Warren watch birds, trains, house building and sit on the grit beach. PLEASE NOTE everthing must be Closed by 10.30 so as not to disturb the Crinkles and tent dwellers. No boy racers, bikers, ravers, chavs, goths. Children to be kept on a lead at all times
SORRY SMOKEY BUT I GIVE UP NEW IDEAS OBVIOUSLY NOT WELCOME
PLEASE NOTE everthing must be Closed by 10.30 so as not to disturb the Crinkles and tent dwellers.
You missed out the babies and the children and all those others who have no wish whatsover to be subject to other people's noise pollution after a reasonable time at night.
IM WITH YOU ON THAT WE GO AROUND AND AROUND TOTALLY P**SSED OFF NOW, THOUGHT I WOULD TRY AND MOVE THINGS FORWARD FROM THE DOOM AND GLOOM WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers Fronteraman,
My comments were not directed towards you but were general comments.
Re covered area we have covered areas but they are not used for the benefit of the local community but to generate busines. Covering the last bit of greenery in Dawlish centre is the last thing that should be considered.
Compulsory purchase and demolition of buildings to open up the road system and take the traffic away from comunal areas is what is needed. No good rearranging the deck chairs. Protest about the greed and obsession of the property developers and their supporters. (cliff fall mansion for example).
Cancel the licence for the amusement arcade, reposses the building and offer the space for low rent market stalls that can be afforded by locals ie pannier market in Tavistock.
Create an area for children such as the playpark in Teignmouth.
Provide facilities for youngsters to show of their skills to the public so that they can feel part of the community and be enjoyed by all.
Stop builing retirement flats that obviously attract people that do not want activity that generates noise and disturbance.
Get rid of the councillors that have hogged their positions for x number of years. All they are interested is in maintaining the status quo.
More use of the manor house and its grounds for all ages.
Rural skills fairs and support for live traditional music.
And what about Ashcombe estate? some of the finest scenic land in the area hardly glimpsed by the majority of the locals, tourist don't even get a look in.
And lets have some proper community policing with real police officers that interact with us and make us feel that they are there for us.
10-year vision for Dawlish town centre:
A lively, stylish and prosperous Dawlish town centre is the commercial, social and cultural hub of the community, and a magnet for tourists and day visitors.
The Lawn, the open space in the heart of the town, is famous throughout the region: a beautiful riverside garden; a quiet place for picnics, sitting out and walking, and for Carnival events like children's sports and the flower show. There is atmospheric lighting for the long summer evenings; in December the magical winter lights are switched on for the Dawlish Winter Festival which attracts visitors from all parts of the region. A popular café serving food from local producers commands a view down the Lawn; in front of the café there is an arena for musicians and street performers.
This stretch of Dawlish Water has been "naturalised": a gently sloping wetland margin has replaced the old canalised stream. A small eco-building perches on the south bank: a visitor and education centre dedicated to the natural history of Dawlish and its river, and showcasing the waterfowl breeding and conservation programme.
The Lawn is overlooked by the Strand - a stylish parade of shops and restaurants. The Strand is well known for fine food, quality crafts, fashion and antiques; its Regency and Victorian buildings have been restored, and there is a new design code for facades and shop fronts. A core of respected High Street names act as retail anchors, including Marks & Spencer Simply Food. A wide pavement encourages shoppers to stroll and pause. A sweep of shallow steps leads down into the park to create the experience of shopping in a garden, and there are platforms for café seating and benches. The street is no longer clogged with traffic and parked cars: parking is restricted to the north side of the street, with priority for disabled drivers; deliveries are prohibited at peak times.
The Shaftesbury is the focus for cultural and community activity in Dawlish: the theatre has a full programme of local productions, contemporary dance, music, theatre and film. The Old Post Office houses the Community Trust and other cultural and community groups and there is a suite of meeting rooms. The former sorting office buildings have been converted into studios and workspace for the creative industries, ranged around a courtyard. The Dawlish Festival Society is based at the Shaftesbury: it has established a regular calendar of arts events, spanning film, performance, visual arts and - in the summer - street theatre, which have become a fixture in the cultural life of the region.
A smart new building stands at the bottom of Barton Hill, next to the river. The Dawlish Incubator provides serviced office space for a cluster of start-up and micro-businesses, and is part of a concerted drive to diversify the town's economy and create more high-wage, high-skill jobs. The Incubator is managed by the same team that is responsible for the Dawlish Knowledge Park at Shutterton. As part of this development, the scruffy car park at Barton Hill has had a facelift, and a new public space has been created around the museum.
The terraced cottages packed on the hillside north of the river are in demand. This has become a popular quarter for artists, craft workers and young professionals, attracted by the new vitality of Dawlish, its cultural life and its more youthful image. This new surge of popularity has benefited the community, but it has created pressure in the housing market: the Town Council has had to work hard to ensure that all new residential developments contain a substantial element of affordable housing for local people.
As we head towards the sea, the tranquillity of the Lawn gives way to a busier scene. The market place is used all the year round for markets and community events: demountable tented structures provide protection from the weather. A new pavilion houses the tourist information centre, a kiosk and public conveniences.
The old gyratory system has been scrapped, and two-way traffic has been restored on the A379, passing across the widened Jubilee Bridge. The new traffic management regime is designed to keep vehicles moving, but an acceptable pace. There is a 20mph speed limit and pedestrians can now follow desire lines between the town centre, Piermont Square and the sea-front.
By removing through traffic from Piermont Place and Station Road it has been possible to re-cast Tuck's Plot as a civic space at the threshold to the sea-front. In contrast to the elegant Lawn, Piermont Square is busier, livelier and more family-orientated. There is play equipment, water features and dramatic seasonal lighting, and Station Road and Marine Parade are now the designated sites for summer and winter fairs. But this is not a return to kiss-me-quick hats and tacky arcades: like the rest of Dawlish in 2018, Piermont Place is smart, stylish and engaging.
The historic station has finally been restored and its café is a favourite place for walkers and cyclists - there is secure storage for bikes. Planned maintenance of the sea wall has enabled improvements to the foot tunnel: the river has been exposed and pedestrians walk above the water on a cobweb bridge suspended from the arch. The sea-front has been treated with a light touch to preserve its unique atmosphere, but there is new lighting and seating and the kiosk has been replaced with a simple new structure.
Dawlish has become a hub for walkers and cyclists. It is the most welcoming and attractive stopping-off point on the coastal route between Exeter and Torbay, and many people choose to head inland to explore the hidden valley of Dawlish Water and the Haldon Hills.
The driving force behind this transformation has been the Dawlish Tomorrow Partnership (DTP), set up by the Town Council and the Community Trust in 2008 to implement the town centre strategy and master plan. Under its dynamic manager, DTP plays a dual role:
- it has been the catalyst for the 10-year programme of regeneration and development, now almost complete: DTP has worked with public and private sector partners to raise funds for projects - including successful applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and has acted as the guardian of the community's interests
- it provides a town centre management service: working with local businesses and community groups to improve business performance and presentation, managing community assets on behalf of the Town Council, organising events and festivities and running promotional campaigns.