Weymouth’s seafront is set to be transformed with a brand new lighting scheme.
What is the lighting scheme?
The scheme, which was given planning consent in December last year, was designed by Tonkin Liu following extensive engagement with Weymouth residents and visitors.
It consists of a number of Computer-controlled LED strips fixed to lampposts along the promenade between the old pier and the Pavilion. The LED strips can be programmed to be strikingly modern, gently muted, or twinkly and reminiscent of ‘fairy’ lights, depending on events or community choice. Different programmes can run at different times of the evening, or at different times of the year.
Hasn’t the scheme already been approved?
Following planning approval, officers went out to tender for the project.
35 initial expressions of interest were received and only one submission was made, which was significantly above budget.
The project team worked to reduce the costs, however a shortfall of £65k remained.
Dorset Council has been able to provide £50k towards the project with Dorset BID and Weymouth Town Council providing £5k each. The remaining £5k was sourced through Dorset Coastal Connections under-spend.
Natalie Poulter, Dorset Coast Forum Co-ordinator, said:
“We’re pleased that Weymouth Town Council, Weymouth BID and Dorset Council have agreed to provide funding.
“We’ll be assigning a contractor in the coming weeks with a view to begin works in September.”
Dorset Coastal Connections
The Weymouth Promenade Artistic Lighting Scheme is part of Dorset Coastal Connections, a portfolio of 18 connected projects which aim to improve physical, digital and emotional connections to the coast in Dorset, supporting and growing the local economy.
Dorset Coastal Connections is a partnership portfolio supported by the Coastal Communities Fund.
