Archived decisions

COUNTRY TOWNS INITIATIVE - HYTHE PROMENADE

1. As part of the County Council's Country Towns Initiative programme, a package of improvements at Hythe Promenade has been approved in principle. The estimated cost of the scheme is £499,000, a significant proportion of which has already been approved, including external funding from New Forest District Council. Further contributions are anticipated from Hythe Parish Council and local sponsors, with the balance being sought when the draft 2004/05 Capital Programme is submitted.

2. Hythe is an historic town serving the Waterside and New Forest communities. It has strong ferry links to Southampton and is actively responding to increased retail competition from the city. The Promenade has unrivalled views across Southampton Water and enjoys plentiful birdlife in the internationally protected wildlife habitats of the estuary. Although the Promenade lies within the Hythe centre conservation area, it is badly run down and has poor pedestrian links to the centre. Development as a public amenity could have a major beneficial impact on the life and the economy of the town and also has the potential to make a contribution as part of the gateway to Hythe and the New Forest for visitors using the ferry service.

3. A package of improvements to regenerate the area have been agreed to include:-

    · a landscaped public open space in the form of a stepped arena for use as an outdoor sitting area which could also be utilised for events such as the annual Hythe and Waterside Festival;

    · a public boardwalk with seating giving direct sea views;

    · landscaped car parking with additional on-street parking bays on the north side of the Promenade access road;

    · opportunities for works of public art;

    · improved street lighting; and

    · high quality materials and street furniture

4. The combined effect of the scheme will greatly improve the conservation area and will include speed reduction features in the highway design which will slow down vehicles and further enhance the area for pedestrians. The scheme demonstrates the benefits of regenerating a run down area for future beneficial use and has been designed in accordance with the programme's criteria for selection, good design, appropriateness and quality.

JONATHAN K. GLEN,

Executive Member

                  for Spatial Strategy

8ER481003