The new benches designed by artist Michael Pinsky have been installed by crane at the West Bay hub. The benches are designed to reflect the curves and shapes of the local land and sea scape. They provide plenty of space for people to sit and enjoy local food with a great view; a place to relax with family and friends.
The open space in the centre allows for uninterrupted views across the harbour and river. In the middle, a bronze plaque made locally by Bridport Foundry has been installed, featuring points of the compass and signposting to locations in West Bay.
The benches also provide a backdrop to showcase the many motorbikes which regularly gather at West Bay.
Bikes are encouraged to park around the outside of the benches, keeping the inner circle free for visitors and residents to sit, relax and eat away from the traffic.
Sally King, project lead from the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty & Jurassic Coast Trust said “The final stage before we could open the site has been to lay the resin-bound outer surface, and hope for dry-ish weather to allow it to set. This has been a real challenge but thankfully the site is now open for everyone to enjoy over the festive period and for many years to come. We hope everyone will enjoy using this space in the heart of West Bay.”
Final touching up work on the benches will take place early in the new year.
The West Bay Welcome Hub project is part of the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio of 18 projects along the Dorset Coast which aim to support and boost the economies of Dorset’s coastal areas. The portfolio is funded by a grant from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund and partner organisations and coordinated by Dorset Coast Forum. The Welcome Hub project is led by Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty/Jurassic Coast Trust, working with artist Michael Pinsky, landscape architect Aileen Shackell Landscape Design and contractor Dorset Highways.
Dear Sally King, Thank you for the update on the new benches. I have just been to look at the concrete benches (29.01.2020) and could I ask why there are the following items that appear not to have been completed:
1. The joints on the concrete sections are deplorable and have run over the new concrete
2. Why is the jointing concrete/compound of a different colour
3. Why is there a different colour concrete in the middle of the seating areas – it looks a sand colour and about 100 mm in diameter – it looks odd and why?
4. The ends of the sections have lots of joints and they look as if the sections have just been thrown together and the joint compound is all over the place and makes the joints look like no body is bothered.
5. Could I ask who has signed off the installation or passed it to say it is suitable and sufficient and fit for purpose?
6. Why is the brickwork around the Bronze Plaque raised – as this is a trip hazard?
7. Why is there concrete over the yellow lines in the adjacent road.
8. Could I please as a – Freedom of Information question:
– What is the overall cost of the project
– What is the cost of the seating and who supplied it – was it from the UK
– What is the cost of the resin bound finish?
9. I am a resident of Bridport
Thank you and I look forward to your response
Jim Fisher