The Belvedere
Vision for Sidmouth Seafront Plan
The Belvedere
Considering the future development of both the eastern and western town areas, the presentation includes the regeneration of the Port Royal, the Ham Lane car park and the Fort Shelters beneath the cricket pitch.
Eastern Town Development A proposal for a sustainable and pedestrian oriented development, to be achieved by the introduction of two new interlinked pedestrian public spaces, a quadrangle at the Ham car park and a paved crescent at the end of the Esplanade. Massed around the quadrangle are mixed use residential and commercial spaces with the community cultural functions overlooking the Ham and opening directly onto the seafront. The scale of the development is consistent with the existing urban fabric, it is orientation to suit the grain of the town and for passive solar gain.
Port Royal
Proposed is a scheme presenting a significant social and cultural asset, accommodation for the use and enjoyment of the community whilst adding diversity to the visitor's experience providing a lasting impression of the resort. Occupying a beautiful and important geographical location this significant community and cultural complex will be a mixed development in which to live, work and play. "Belvedere" in Italian means beautiful view.
Cultural Quarter Plan
The scale and massing of the development is consistent with the existing buildings and surroundings landscape. Towards the river and overlooking the Ham it will be sensitively nested into the outstanding natural habitat. The main entrances to the cultural centre will open directly onto the newly paved area on the seafront and is linked to improved pedestrian access in the Ham Lane vicinity. To reduce physical impact, the upper floors of the complex are stepped back with a single storey observation deck, the belvedere projected forward to offer an unobstructed vista up the esplanade and along the coast. The centre consists of a cluster of spaces with sheltered public areas of generous proportions. To maximize the basement floor area and to provide extra protection from potential flooding the major amenities are elevated above a podium. Taking advantage of solar gain the centre provide a winter garden and sun terrace sheltered from the colder northern offshore winds.
Western Town Shelters
The three sadly neglected sea facing shelters are an under used resource offering little to the community and visitor alike. They are however extremely well located with considerable potential for the resort. The upper platform offers a unique panorama out to sea and across the cricket pitch to the rear. The proposal is to incorporate the relocated Life Boat Station at the western shelter. To accommodate the boat, the trailer and tractor the ceiling will need to be raised and the station dug under the cricket pitch boundary and scoreboard. The pavement should also be extended to allow for the other two shelter spaces to the expanded. To attract more users, the concept is to install a stair access to the pitch level and a zebra crossing across the esplanade. The central shelter will be converted to smart washroom facility with the eastern shelter also be expanded in height to incorporate the Information Centre or similar function. A glass canopy between the sections will provide extra shelter for visitors awaiting their coaches. To enjoy the special views extra seating and rails are to be installed above.
The above was presentated to the Vision for Sidmouth Group September 2008.