CELEBRATED British designer Wayne Hemingway has been signed up to help improve Weymouth seafront.

He and others are working on a project that would enhance the beachfront and 'make it a year-round destination for everyone to enjoy'.

Teams will work up proposals that focus on the 3km stretch of coastline from Weymouth Pavilion to Overcombe, taking into account views submitted in a public survey which has now launched.

It comes after Weymouth Town Council appointed consultants HemingwayDesign and New Masterplanning to work on plans.

The council allocated £25,000 in its reserves to cover the cost of the development of the masterplan and enable the commissioning of any required consultancy services.

Mr Hemingway, who was behind the Red or Dead fashion brand, set up HemingwayDesign in 1999 with wife Geraldine, which specialises in affordable and social design.

Their projects include an award-winning housing scheme on Tyneside, a development of 1,000 homes in Kent, beach pods in Boscombe, and designing a scheme to transform the disused Dreamland site in Margate.

The couple were both made MBEs in 2006 for services to the design industry.

Mr Hemingway and daughter Tilly recently joined town councillors in Weymouth for an initial engagement session which included a walkabout on the seafront to gather initial ideas.

He said: “Weymouth seafront is a brilliant place but like all great places needs to keep evolving, responding to changing times and this is a chance for everyone, young to old, residents, businesses, visitors and those that have moved away but still have an interest in the town to have their say.

"You can say as little or as much as you like. We will read and consider everyone’s comments and then come back to you all with some proposals that are firmly based in your ideas (and some of ours of course).

Residents, visitors and businesses are being urged to contribute their views to a survey www.thinkweymouthseafront.co.uk

Leader of Weymouth Town Council Cllr David Harris said: “Weymouth is such a popular destination, with its award-winning beach offering a variety of attractions and places to eat and drink, and the historic character of the seafront. It’s important for the long-term economic success of the town that it evolves to be a year-round destination for everyone to enjoy.

“Improvements to the beachfront should look at what sort of events and activities could be supported, including arts, sports, and festivals. Better access and signage for visitors and residents who want to enjoy a visit to both the town centre and the seafront should also be considered.

“Your input is vital. If you live, work, or visit Weymouth then take the survey today and share your thoughts about Weymouth seafront. We’re encouraging you to be part of the conversation.”

The survey runs for one month until Sunday, June 19.

Councillors on Weymouth Town Council’s Services Committee, which approved the appointment of HemingwayDesign and New Masterplanning to work up the proposals, meet on Wednesday, May 25 where they will receive an update on the project.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the council's new café-style meetings for committees. It takes places at 7pm in the council chamber on Commercial Road this Wednesday.