Seafront shelters: final design chosen

Work on four of the timber-framed constructions begins along West Parade in November. The kiosk which was to stand alongside the new shelters has been axed after the 220,000 project ran out of cash.

Rother District Council (RDC) say they will be "an enduring andcreative addition" which will "provide protection from the elements, including the prevailing south-westerly wind".

But critics including Liberal Democrat councillor Frances Winterborn, who sat on the original judging panel for the shelter designs, called the wooden designs "utterly unfit for purpose" and warned: "There will be nobody on that seafront in the winter."

The shelter design has been dogged by controversy since Rother District Council invited entries for a national architectural competition last year.

After the winning design pulled out in December, RDC Cabinet voted to go with the second-placed entry, labelled at the time by Lib Dem Cllr Martyn Forster as: "A tin shed surrounded by puzzle pieces".

After a prolonged public consultation, the architects have been working with RDC for months on what Joe Morris, of Duggan Morris Ltd, called a "radical transformation".

Project sponsor Cllr Christopher Starnes said: "We are delighted these stunning designs will soon be standing on Bexhill's seafront.

"Along with the other elements of Next Wave, the shelters will encourage more people to visit Bexhill to sample its unique offer. We have listened to public comments and amended the designs to reflect these suggestions."

The pictures above show the final design which will be built on West Parade. Back rests and arm rests on the wooden benches will be added onto the construction. The existing kiosk will be refurbished, rather than replaced.

Cllr Winterborn said: "This shelter is not fit for purpose. It's not what I would call a shelter.

"If you are going to get rain and wind, you are not going to be able to sit in there. I like to walk along the front in winter months. You can sit in the shelter and look out and see the power of the sea.

"There's a lot of flats along there with elderly people who come down and sit, but I don't think that will happen with this new one. There will be nobody on that seafront in the winter."

Ron Storkey, chair of pressure group Save Our Seafront (SOS), said he would consult his members before giving an opinion.

"I am currently canvassing opinions not only from SOS members but from a wider group of residents with whom I am in regular contact concerning the whole range of the Next Wave proposals, so I hope to be able to give you a more considered view next week.

"I am sure your readers will still express their own opinions through your letters page even through they will be aware their opinions will not affect a decision that has already been taken."

The shelters are jointly funded by RDC and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Sarah Gaventa, Director of CABE Space, said: "The new shelters will continue Bexhill's tradition of hosting innovative and exciting contemporary architecture."

Readers interested in contacting SOS can come via the Observer in the first instance.