A new collection we have recently taken in (DHC ref: D-3291) contains some very interesting plans and sketches dating from the 1920s to the 1960s…
One of the earliest set of plans from 1924 show the design of a larger version of the familiar shelters that can be seen along the Weymouth Esplanade (a popular place to eat fish and chips) to seat 32 or 40 persons, that was to be built near the statue of Sir Henry Edwards.
Plans from the 1950s and 60s show proposals for a tourist information centre on the promenade, a futuristic looking refreshment kiosk, shelter, and deck chair store, as well as a more contemporary refreshment bar and kiosk. There are no indications in the collection, however, as to how many of these proposed designs made it past the initial stage and were actually constructed.
Some of the plans from 1963 show designs for the old café and bathing station on the pleasure pier which was demolished in 2019. In contrast to the ‘safe’ bathing from Weymouth beach, sea bathing and diving used to take place from the pier head, and Weymouth Swimming Club was also established here.
Also included are some 1937 plans for the Weymouth Pier Bandstand. The bandstand was built in 1939 with a short pier at the back which extended into the sea. On this bandstand pier was a large deck which could be used as a seating area or dancefloor with sheltered sides, a stage at the rear with a green room and dressing rooms for the performers, and then behind the stage a sun deck. The Pier Bandstand had only a short life and was determined to be unsafe and subsequently blown up by a controlled explosion in 1986. A national competition was launched to find the individual who would ‘press the button’ to demolish it and was won by two schoolgirls from Birmingham. Some photos in the collection show the state of the pier and its ultimate demise.
Do you recognise some of these buildings, or have your own memories of the changing Weymouth seafront? Let us know in the comments below!
Do you know if the paint colour was stipulated for the listed shelters? Greenhill Community Trust have applied for planning permission P/LBC/2023/01913 to change the pillars and iron framework on the grade 2 listed Esplanade beach chalets from WTC blue back to the original colour black/grey. WTC planning committee councillors have objected!
Hi Sue, thanks for your message! You are welcome to visit DHC to have a look at all of the plans in this collection in more detail to see if a colour was stipulated. Drop us an email – archives@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk – to make an appointment.