W/pic jg2070 In agreeing that the Weymouth Pavilion site is a blot on the bay, doesn't mean that I or others totally agree to the current proposals, that have changed beyond recognition, from what was first proposed!
Yes, we all agree that having an organisation willing to spend £100 million-plus on developing the site is wonderful and perhaps congratulation might be in order to the Council Officers and Councillors who have negotiated so far.
However, is it now time to take stock and analyse what has really been achieved and exactly where we are?
Historical and successive financial decisions with regard to the infrastructure have provided short-term benefits to the council and long-term acquisition and profit to the developers/entrepreneurs.
Selling or leasing of assets certainly pays the way today, but can leave an even bigger deficit for the future.
We all have faith in council leaders ensuring that the new proposals that are currently being drawn up by the chosen developers are properly discussed and brought before the general public.
However, I and many others are left feeling that somehow we have all been swept along in a process that is essentially using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
The consultation process provided very few options and fragmented the responses and views that came from the public.
I believe there was a clear mandate and a need to improve the theatre, the ferry terminal and create leisure/tourist facilities, leaving perhaps too much scope for anything else.
Recently published letters in the Echo, I believe, support this view.
To get to the crux of the real problem, the pavilion leaks like a sieve so needs a new/renovated roof and the sea bearing structure needs replacing.
I think we were informed the cost was about £6 million. We are also aware that the ferry terminal needs expenditure, but the funds for this should surely come from the user.
The only other proposal that really aided our facilities and attraction was for a heritage centre that could so easily become part of the Tourist Information Centre or housed within the Arts Centre.
Coun Howard Legg, (Car free zone for Olympics', Echo, October 27) is shown giving the thumbs down to car users and thumbs up to public transport for the forthcoming Olympics and has, in essence, provided a far more appropriate solution to how Weymouth peninsula should be developed.
Already £18 million has been given to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to improve transportation, so why not a bus/transportation depot here.
This would not only be supported by current funding, but should attract additional support and complement any pedestrianisation plans along the quayside.
It's not a new idea but one that should be affordable and in the long term will mean that Weymouth keeps this asset for all its residents.
In addition, any profit generated goes straight back into the public purse to aid and develop the site further.
Regardless of what the previous consultation did or did not do, fragmentation of views resulted so perhaps some sort of local referendum on this issue, highlighting realistic options, might be in order.
This would hopefully generate collective ownership and responsibility for this fabulous opportunity.
Richard J Daly, Fortuneswell, Isle of Portland.
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