I write in response to the story Pavilion: what's happening now?' (Echo, September 28).
So, Howard Holdings is worried about its profit margin as the council is (finally) trying to get a grip on this project and ensure that the public interests, which after all were one of the key drivers of the project in the first place, are delivered.
There has been much written about the objection to the size and nature of the proposed development as it stands, so why not take this present issue as the chance to completely change the direction of the re-development.
With this in mind, I would like to propose the following idea.
Firstly, use the Pavilion site for a hotel/theatre/leisure/conference centre with plenty of public space around it, possibly incorporating a new pier walkway, while getting Condor to contribute to new ferry terminal facilities.
In order to fund this (and hopefully negate the need for that awful marina idea that could ruin the best asset this town has in the beach), give Howard Holdings the North Quay site to build whatever size apartment complex they like. It can't look any worse than the council offices.
The council could then move most of its operations to the outskirts (maybe as part of the New Look development) and open a smaller office/advice desk in town for the public to pay bills etc.
Perhaps this idea is viable. Perhaps it's not. I'm not a financial expert. It seems to make sense to me so why not consider it seriously?
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.
The photo used on the front page was very misleading - it was the original proposal for 130 flats. The real plan is to build much higher than this.
Many people in Weymouth are against this proposal but having ignored a democratic majority at the consultation phase, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council seem determined to override all objections.
It seems the only hope we have of saving our seafront is if Howard Holdings decide there's not enough profit to be made here.
Then perhaps a more enlightened council of the future will think of a more imaginative use of the seafront than high rise flats, that's too high a price to pay for a tarted-up pavilion.
Robin Daglish Franchise Street Weymouth
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