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 Weymouth 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.
Will this be cheaper/more efficient than the existing lighting? I don’t see ultra modern as in keeping with the charm and atmosphere I associate with Weymouth. Twinkling lights can get annoying and can cause problems for some people. And with a climate crisis declared is this a scheme that is in line with combatting this? However I don’t live there and if the RESIDENTS (not the councillors) want this I respect their decision and await developments with interest.
Hi Nicola, The LED lights are extremely efficient. Much cheaper to maintain than the current laser lights. We can interchange the lighting effect to co-inside with events and community requests, so they might not be ‘twinkly’ all the time. As mentioned in the above, there was plenty of engagement with residents and visitors with strong support for this scheme. We’re hoping it is all finished by November, so watch this space to see what they look like. Thanks, WB
So your still going ahead with this against the majority of locals who don’t want it, I can’t to see what they look like , I’m hoping I will be pleasantly surprised, but I’m not holding my breath
Hi Martin, It would be wrong to say that the ‘majority of locals’ don’t want the scheme. It has a lot of support from residents, businesses and organisations in the area and is the result of extensive engagement. I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised with the end product. Watch this space. Thanks, WB
Why is it this and the previous council seem to do what they want it is a waste of time giving your opinion, you have already made up your mind what is happening why waste money asking residents. The light look stupid , dont put any lights up save the money , forget it.
A very annoyed Weymouth resident
We’re sorry you’re not completely on board with this scheme. As stated in the story above, the design of the scheme is a reflection on comments received in the consultation. We don’t think the lights will look stupid, we think they’ll look great – as do many of our residents, businesses and organisations. We hope your opinion changes when the lights are in place later this year. Thanks, WB.
Either they will look great, and will colourfully highlight the sweep of the bay and Esplanade from all the distant viewpoints (as did the fairy lights); OR they will be hardly noticed against the over-lit backdrop of the ambient street lighting. Will they be seen at all from the hotels side?
Hi Stuart, they won’t face the hotels because of the road. We wouldn’t want to dazzle drivers. We think they’ll look great! WB