Herne Bay Consultation 26/01/2006. image

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1 Herne Bay Consultation 26/01/2006 An Issues and Opportunities consultation event on the regeneration of Herne Bay was held on 26 th January The event was attended by over 100 people representing all parts of the community. The format of the event included a presentation followed by a number of round table discussions and an open mic question and answer session. Each table had a scribe and a facilitator whose job it was to lead the discussion on the subjects designated. A summary of the comments received back on each subject is included below. image Issue Source (Table numbers) Pride already in place locally 2 Get SEEDA and KCC budget support for plans 2 Herne Bay s identity is based around the seafront 2 Identify USP for Herne Bay. 4 If you don t know Herne Bay, why go there? Receives short visits only at present 4 Bring hotel back in Herne Bay. Town holds events but has lack of accommodation to hold big 5 sailing/water sporting events (national events, RYA etc, have been offered, but declined because lack of accommodation Currently Herne Bay s image is yesterday s holiday resort faded glory. Comparisons can be made 9 between Herne Bay and Morecombe Morecombe has been totally regenerated by maximising its uniqueness : migrating birds and Eric Morecombe. Herne Bay needs a specific attraction to appeal to today s visitors: currently has Saxon Walkway and the Pier. Herne Bay is part of a day s excursion but not a destination in itself, unless it s part of leisure or water 9 sports. Greatest appeal would be to extend marina, but cost likely to be prohibitive

2 Identity based on range of small independent shops makes Herne Bay what it is. Danger that large 12 supermarket could destroy this character. Publicise current facilities more widely. Visitors to Canterbury should be made more aware of 13 attractions on the coast. Promote environment (i.e.) bird watching, nature trails, beach walking, Herne Bay s clean air 13 Promote water sports facilities 13 Provide more visitor information 13 Victorian town is unique, should keep it this way, don t want Herne Bay to become another shopping 13 centre - potential for enhancing these Victorian features Image of Herne Bay A summary of the above information could conclude that the stakeholders are concerned with the lack of specific attractions which are unique to Herne Bay and they identify the water sports image as being a positive one which should be built on. There is quite a lot of concern that Morrisons supermarket is not allowed to dominate the town centre in its plans to expand and there is also some concern about the lack of hotels for visitor s to the area.

3 central area Issue Source (Table numbers) Historic buildings have fallen into disrepair and need maintenance - Future lays in its heritage 2 Morrisons may become too large (would affect existing traders) 1 Development brief housing or employment led? (Mixed use is the way forward) 2,12 Private sector developer/champion/benefactor needed to take development forward 2 Town square or plaza is needed 2, 15 Need focus building in the centre of town 3 Individual choice is key new retail outlets gives opportunities for small retailers to take advantage of passing trade Performing arts are being restricted by lack of a town centre. 3 Attract specialist shops (other than 1 shops) (e.g. antiques or books). 4 Central area is mundane and unattractive (retail, flats and bedsits only). 5 Need community/public gym in centre as part of central community building 5 Late night culture and city centre housing don t mix 7, 15 Consider affordable housing in town centre above business 8 Put pressure on shop landlords to keep properties well maintained for living space 8 Shops should improve their own fronts by cleaning, painting and keeping them tidy 13 High Street needs to be redeveloped in similar way as Mortimer Street. 9 No need for a new town square 11 Tighten up the town centre/retail area presently stretches too far 11, 14 3

4 Concentrate the redevelopment of the town centre on the Hanover Street/ Richmond Street/High Street/William Street block. Tesco Metro (food only) retailer would be acceptable 12 Morrisons dominating the town centre (not a suitable supermarket for Herne Bay) introducing bigger shops will be at a cost to small businesses (e.g. Argos). Improving sightlines causes concerns about major redevelopments ((i.e. knocking down buildings) 13 Retail offering currently inadequate co-op superior to Morrisons 14 Age Concern needs to be one of buildings in central square 15 Relocate petrol station from middle of town 15 Town Centre 11 13, 15, open mic There is quite a lot of concern that the existing buildings in the town are falling into disrepair and there may be room for improvement initiatives. Once again there is some concern that Morrisons may be allowed to dominate at the expense of the smaller traders. The development mix is also a concern with community residential and aged concern all being seen as a healthy part of any mixed scheme. There seems to be mixed views on the provision of a town square with one negative and two positive comments on this item. There are various other concerns including a need for specialist shops, a conflict between any proposed extension to the evening economy and proposed new residential, the relocation of the petrol station off the high street and that the shopping area is too elongated and needs to be shortened.

5 the seafront Issue Source (Table numbers) Re-use pier after leisure centre relocated - survey was carried out with 500 residents who said they 2,12, 8,13, open mic would like to see cafes and restaurants on a new pier CPO old seafront and replace with new development 2 Sea front fantastic facility, but only valuable to town for three months a year 3 Boat launching facilities are very important not enough room for water users trailers etc. 3 Launching facilities are a significant issue. Leisure facilities could be at the Neptune end. Efficiency 3 of launching facilities could be improved tractor to launch boats and park trailers. Improving boating facilities using whole car park for trailers. Fantastic beach and water facilities for only part of the year. 3 Play to strengths develop and build on the asset that is the sea key to regeneration of town 3,4,5,6 Pier is unique landmark that sets aside Herne Bay from other towns (with Reculver) 5 Balance between small local independent business and multiples (e.g. Boots) both can benefit each 5 other by drawing people in, but it needs a balance to maintain individual character Possible seafront activities could include fishing (off extended pier), Mini-golf and encourage more 5 evening activities (e.g. open air music) Generally well maintained but beach area near bandstand is not utilised enough 5 Wouldn t want to see roller-skating disappear from pier. Part of culture in Herne Bay and many clubs. 5 This needs to be enhanced/relocated Should charge jet ski launching reinvest money into seafront regeneration. 6 Eastern end of the seafront towards Reculver is neglected and remains the same as the 60 s 6 requires regeneration as well Lots of people come into the Sailing Club asking for toilets, refreshments there is no provision there 6, open mic despite it being the side of the town that is being developed (e.g. Beltinge etc). Noise of Jet skis moving people over to eastern side of seafront need to make the provision at east 6 Area between arm and beach. Redundant area this has lots of potential. Dredging very expensive 6,8 extend arm for boats.

6 Lots of facilities currently based at Pier can be provided at the High School. 8 Potential for aquarium/sea life centre on pier. A major tourist attraction is needed for town 6,8 As the seafront is the main attraction, it is vital to maximise the routes towards the seafront. 9 Eyesore if pier left, needs to be regenerated or pulled down 10 Develop a marina 13 Night time economy should be promote on seafront 14 The biggest concern in this section was to build on the water sports activities that are presently enjoyed. This is also seen as one of the major pluses to the image of Herne Bay to potential visitors. The sea is identified as a huge asset on which to build both a positive image and a sustainable economy. The use of the pier after the sports centre is relocated is also of high importance with the pier also regarded as a unique asset which offers many opportunities for Herne Bay. There were some comments on the redevelopment of the seafront with modern or updated properties. There were some who only saw the seafront as a seasonal asset There were lots of singular issues which included the lack of toilet facilities, the Eastern end of HB needs updating too, a sealife centre was suggested, as was the need for a night-time economy for the seafront.

7 public spaces and street-scene and the park connections and signage Issue Source (Table numbers) Routes from station to town centre need to be improved 4 Signage to car parks in town are clear, but insufficient signs to attractions eg Kings Hall is a unique 9 facility in the district, but not visible from town centre and insufficiently sign posted. Improve the existing routes and connections between the centre and the seafront using innovative 9 methods of signposting town trail unique. Excellent access to the sea for sailing, angling etc is key 4 Need better, more freer movement through seafront area 3 Improving connections in town provides quick wins 5 Create an interesting route or trail lighting and different surfaces (creative surfaces) eg Whitefriars 5 Trail from station to park/seafront park etc park/seafront bandstand could get schools involved 8 Set up trails and greener walk way 1 Use CABE and Kent Design guidelines on design, CABE/Kent Design Guide development brief SPG 2 (Brighton and Hove shop front design guide) Positive highest front design guidelines ones that are also attractive to new developers and existing 2 occupiers Conservation areas strangle diversification of building design plus investment (realistic on 2 preservation), Just because it s new not necessary bad. Embrace positive high quality design guides that are attractive to developers and residents alike. Ensure SEEDA s sustainable development checklist is used to guide design. 2 Architecture competitions could be used to identify a preferred design 2 Don t forget landscaping and street furniture 2 Consider mix of buildings not just Victorian copies. 2 Gateways between sectors/zones needed with clear street signage. 2 Direct parking away from seafront, central parking is essential to generate flows through the town 3 reduce size of Neptune s car park.

8 Park facilities currently hold back usage. Sensible lighting, improved maintenance and pathways 4 needed. Demolish and build a maintainable facility in park 4,7,11 Agree with difficulties with access to the park narrow the access. 3 Establish who we are creating park for (residents or tourists or both) 5 Possible facilities for park could include basketball courts, Café, public toilets, facilities for modern 5 youth, sculptures, themed areas, SK8 part/bmx track and shelter for them to hang out in Family park café picnic, Open air cinema, theatre 8 Multi use community centre should be created in the park 7 Lake/pond not mentioned as a feature for park 7 Park could be used for more events (i.e.) Euro fair, festivals, continental market 13 Park needs cafe, youth centre and central pavilion 15 Are park tennis courts etc relevant to youth? 5 Park not changed in 50 years. Cricket pavilion, tennis courts nothing added in last 50 years 5 Poor play ground at park, Links and paths are poor and under-lit 5 Poor signage for park, little facilities 8 Manage park carefully 8 Good idea to rejuvenate Memorial Park but previous plans have been rejected on the basis that it s a 9 Memorial. Need to bridge the gap between the needs of the young and the old More lights in parks needed (deter vandals and groups hanging about) 5 Where will children s play ground be located? 5 Floodlighting for existing sports needed 5 Need to define facilities in open space? Do we want playing sports in park? 5 If park to be used as an open space may not need to add any facilities 5 Improve alleyways, currently disgusting and signage 5 More flowers needed around town 5 Very low additions like lighting and toilets would make things better in the town 6 High Street lighting dingy, security issues, increases perception of crime 10 St Anne s Garden can be used as facility 7

9 Attractive bollards showing the way between the High Street and seafront needed. 9 Maximise use of outdoor spaces possible identity of outdoor/leisure pursuits. 11 Creation of a network of connected spaces encouraging people to walk will increase visitor numbers 12 Street furniture to be changed to the old Herne Bay colours (green and silver) not black. 13 More outdoor dining/cafes (e.g. continental) 13, 14 Tree lined area needed at coach drop off on seafront 14 Alleyways in own are intimidating should improve 14 Richmond Street is unattractive from park to seafront 15 Open spaces need to be linked to seafront in a pleasant way - via Richmond Street and Town square 15 to clocktower Public art needs to be introduced into town 2 This subject area covered a large number of topics including public spaces, street-scene, the park, connections and signage. There were many comments about all of the above but the clear winner in terms of numbers of comments was the Memorial Park, many of the comments agreed that it needed updating and refurbishment. Some of the comments included reference to the conflicting park uses between the young and the old. The memorial park is seen as a place where improvements to lighting pathways and the central building are essential. There was also a lot of concern that the routes and links to and from the park, station, town centre and seafront were not user friendly with need for a greater emphasis on pedestrians. There was a call for some themed routes that schools and special interest groups could identify with. Leading on from the need for better routes was the need for better signage in the town. There was concern about the quality of outdoor spaces including the links from the park to the seafront, the need for outdoor businesses including cafés and diners, improved alleys and treelined streets. Leading on from the outdoor spaces was some concern about the quality of the street scene in general including quality of street furniture, lighting and toilets. There were some comments that the town would benefit from a design guide that would guide the design of shopfronts,street furniture and landscaping. There were some single issue comments on the need for public art and the danger of conservation area status stopping the innovation that is required in the town centre.

10 vehicle and pedestrian movement, car parks Issue Source (Table numbers) Agree pedestrianisation for Richmond Street 1 Further pedestrianisation required in town 2,4,6 Make pedestrian king of the town more car free areas needed notably in a future town square 2,3 Mortimer Street needs barriers to prevent vehicles entering this area. It should be fully 4 pedestrianised. Fully pedestrianise Mortimer Street or enforce loading times 11 Pedestrianisation removing boy racers from town centre, try and marginalise them. 4 Reclaim road space for pedestranisation 4 Create a pedestrian link from seafront to Mortimer Street and more links to the park. 6 Develop safer routes for pedestrians by improving lighting and surfacing. 10 Improve vibrancy on the seafront area by minimising the impact of vehicular traffic and restoring 10 priority to pedestrians. Close seafront roadway to open up to cyclists and walkways. 10 Cycle route and cycle lanes needed in town centre and seafront 10 Missing link of cycle route. No cycle routes or walks into town centre from seafront. 9 Coastal public transport links 2 Better links from station to the town centre needed 2 Introduce a Park and Ride or walk and ride 2,4, 13, 14 Car parking is an issue in Herne Bay - well used and the number of spaces needs to be retained. 3,12 Link future needs to needs of working and older people Seafront visitors need parking. Use space next to pier, currently used for boats. 4 Kings Hall grossly underused due to access and car parking problems 5 The market was the car park on Saturdays, the busiest shopping day and no one can park?? 6 Agreed that car parks need to be made more attractive. 9 Parking plentiful in quiet periods, too busy at peak periods 10 More on-street parking needed 11

11 Increase parking for existing facilities (i.e. sea parking for the Kings Hall like the Neptune car park, 13 park and ride, round robin system between existing car parks Parking hours has created a town where people just go in for a short while and not stay for long 13 periods lengthen parking times William Street car park can t be lost 13, roving mic Promote transport alternatives other than car 4 Train Station car parking, commuter parking problems, Little interaction between public transport 4 and cars. Station car park under-used, needs to be addressed. Bus garage a coach interchange at present. National Express? Office and toilets interchange hub. 4 Where would this be? There should be a bus stop at Stage Coach site. 4 Drive cars away from Herne Bay you will drive business away. 4 Herne Bay accessible by vehicle this is an asset. 4 Vancouver good example of seafront parking, losing beach, Look at what other towns do (e.g. 4 Hastings), learn from best practice. Coach parking driver/guide needs to be close to town centre 4,11 Important to keep coach parking in central location coach driver is often tour guide. 9 Suggest that Saturday market be changed to street market to leave car park clear for cars. You could 9 temporarily close one street off every Saturday (e.g. Beach Street). Richmond Street only HGV car park needs to be provided, need secure, accessible parking 4 elsewhere. Traffic movement is a particular issue access is destructive both into the centre, but also into 3 Herne Bay itself. One-way stream would maintain traffic flow. 4 How do older/disabled people access services in town without parking 4 Reclamation of contaminated land (Kings Road Car Park). Any covenants in place for this site? May 4 have been broken now. Sensible appropriate one-way system needed for town 4 Not welcoming train station, lighting not good, creates fear. 10

12 Old signs need to come down, both pedestrian and vehicular. 10 Open cafes up onto roads. 10 Partial road closure in town needed at peak visitor periods, this would open up many opportunities. 10 Need better disabled access onto seafront 10 Make use of the memorial park and open up the walkway to connect the park and seafront 10 Move the market from the car park to the closed seafront area. 10 Revisit traffic flow one way streets etc. 11 Re-open William Street to two way traffic creating vehicular link from seafront to park opening views 11 One way system completely impractical need to go out of the town to come back 14 The feedback highlighted a big demand for better pedestrian routes through the town. Some wanted to widen existing footpaths whilst others were in favour of full pedestrianisation of key streets. Linked with this were some comments on the introduction of a one way system. The establishment of Cycle routes was also seen as desirable for the town Better links were seen as desirable from the seafront to the park There were a number of comments of car parking including the need for more, the need to retain central carparking, the need to increase the attractiveness of the carparks, the need for carparking for the kings hall. Coach parking was seen as important for the day visitors to the town. There was a couple of comments on the advantages of moving the market to Beach Street or the seafront. It was also recognised that the train station has a poor image and needs updating and refurbishment.

13 community, housing and recreation needs Issue Housing needs? (not mentioned in issues document) The vision statement omits the word live. 1, Open Mic New homes in town centre needed, we support higher levels of housing 2,7,15 How should affordable housing define affordable to who (who are we trying to attract?) Doesn t 5 always attract right people. Housing spreading to outskirts; shifting problems elsewhere (more families should be encouraged 5 back into centre). Lot of families live in town centre are impoverished, temporary housing then when permanently 6 housed they are often housed outside Herne Bay loss of sense of community and sometimes these children are vulnerable children and lose their stability with their housing networking and schools. Some housing is sub standard lot of rented properties. Use planning powers on landlords to 6 smarten housing exteriors. City centre housing not suitable for young families, affordable 7 Empty space over shops develop and restore for living space 8 Don t agree not enough housing too much 8 Convert run down houses into affordable housing 8 Encourage small developments retirement homes in centre of Herne Bay 8 Too many inferior houses being built old properties should be improved and upgraded. Again new 13 housing links with lack of parking. Buildings are being knocked down and replaced with flats are destroying businesses 13 Town needs facilities for people that live here first, then we should serve the needs of visitors 3 Central community/arts centre needed. Could be used by many smaller community groups (e.g. Age 12 Concern) Children s centre needed 5 More local young people but low level of youth activities 5 Need to bring people back in the centre, not send communities out of town 5 Herne Bay has no central civic building 3, open mic Source (Table numbers)

14 Difficult to access communities with special needs need champions for young people/young parents. 3 Herne Bay High School is successful, but thousands of kids still going to Canterbury. Herne Bay High 3 School is full (+more). Need to build on the schools success. Are there more opportunities to increase community use of school facilities? 3 Shouldn t move well-used leisure centre away from town. No transport / parking at Herne Bay High 4 School Herne Bay High School is too far out - cannot offer opportunities such as large enough venue for 4, 14 international events, spectators. If the current pier sporting facilities were moved to Herne Bay High School, who would run it and at Open mic what cost? It was essential that people would still be able to afford to use the facilities. Sports centre should be close to station. Eddington Way unused business park. 4, 14 Need to move leisure centre, but should invest in one purpose built leisure centre on Whitstable bends 4 for Whitstable and Herne Bay. Improve/enhance existing resources address these and make more attractive not develop brand 5 new facilities all the time Need to engage with local community (schools/help the Aged etc), not just consult (not just tick boxes 5 exercise) Local based activities in the town need to be provided for young people to prevent boredom and 6 provide engagement. Anti social behaviour on William Street problem - This discourages people away from centre of town 6 Young people should be consulted over issues surrounding youth provision. 8 Could the Kings Hall be used as sports and conference facility? 3 Expand Kings Hall facility (e.g. dressing rooms) 5,7 Affordability - few can afford to access sports and recreational amenities. 4 Recreation in Herne Bay is mainly water-based - should charge for use of land area. 4 Local rowing/sailing clubs should be promoted. 3 Hockey Club needs investment needs marketing, football pitches need money for their upkeep. 4 Facilities are not being linked together. No more nightclubs needed no demand. 4

15 Threat of out of town development. People are going to specialised facilities elsewhere 4 Olympics could HB provide training facility? 5 Reculver potential and visitor interest should be enhanced. 3 Mistake to discourage caravan parks. Money from there was significant. Arcades, pubs cinema and 4 taxis lost trade Lack of visitor accommodation already lost one caravan park and another has been refused an 13 extension No significant tourist attraction and nowhere to park need lots of small things rather than a single 4 iconic attraction. Increase B&B opportunities in Herne Bay. Consider having an approved A list but also a B list saying 6 that other places are out there Make use of existing facilities, upgrade and promote (e.g. Kings Hall, swimming pool, park) 13 Skateboarding needs to be allocated near to Memorial Park as Swalecliffe is a long way to travel. 6,7 Create town trails linked with more family activities. Use redundant area between Neptune s Arm and 8 beach. Sports centre should be relocated from pier 9 Roller skating in HB has international potential 10 Make people walk to sports centre so that youth can use it more 10 Recreation and tourism facilities need to be strongly focussed in the town centre where it is easily 10 accessible to residents and visitors. Need to investigate possible synergy with doctors surgery 12, 13 Housing was featured very prominently in this section, comments included the poor state of town centre properties and substandard private rented accommodation There were also many comments about the need for a community centre in Herne Bay town, which would house community, based services, a youth centre and some special needs facilities More provision for the youth of the area was also highly sought after. There were calls for improved bed and breakfast facilities and a hotel. Roller hockey, water sports and caravan parks were also seen as desirable to be maintained or enhanced

16 Other issues Several people asked who is the regeneration for and how will all the various groups be included? Would Richmond Street residents be displaced for the regeneration to take place? Development should address needs of existing population and not visitors West side of town/sea Street also needs redevelopment do not forget these Involve community in decision making process when urban design framework produced. What happens if Stagecoach do not relocate? How would Morrisons expand? Regeneration must not rely on the fact that Morrisons will move to the Stagecoach site Any plans should be long term (5-10 years) and must be sustainable. There was no mention of the flood risk and how plans could be financed (open mic)

17 Conclusion The overall feelings towards the regeneration efforts were very positive. By and large people agreed that improvements were needed and were encouraging in their comments towards the regeneration project. There is a recognition/acceptance that change will not happen overnight and a real desire for inclusion in the planning process. The level of participation from the people in the area is high and comes from a cross section of the community including businesses, community groups, voluntary groups and private individuals. In looking through the overall results it is possible to highlight a number of areas, which were given more prominence by the respondents, they include the refurbishment of the Memorial Park, the quality of housing in the town centre, the need for pedestrian priority on the streets, the need to link the major parts of the town through better signs and lighting etc the mix and quality of any new development in the town centre, the need for a design guide for shop fronts, street furniture and new buildings. the need for quality outdoor spaces, the need for a community based town centre, the need for youth provision in the town, the relocation of the pier sports centre and the subsequent reuse of the pier Concern that Morrisons would not be allowed to dominate the town centre development plans The need to establish water sports and associated businesses as a way forward for Herne Bay. Of these the refurbishment of the park seemed to be uppermost in the minds of the people, with town centre housing, pedestrian priority and linkages also coming high on the list. It can be deduced that there is a recognition that the town needs to work as a combined unit with a new central development area potentially acting as a hub for community activity.