A NEW document outlining a future vision for Swanage’s seafront has been unveiled.

A draft of the Swanage Seafront Masterplan, developed by the Dorset Coast Forum (DFC) in partnership with the town council, was unveiled on Monday, June 19.

People can view the plan online and give their feedback via an online survey until July 10, while an in-person event took place at the Mowlem Theatre show bar on June 22.

The council and the DCF say the document is an ‘aspirational vision showing the potential of the seafront for the future’.

Town councillor Mike Bonfield, chair of the Swanage Seafront Masterplan working party, said: “We’re really pleased to launch the final stage of engagement on the Swanage Seafront Masterplan.

“It’s built on the views of residents and visitors and sets out a wide range of opportunities for us to work with partner organisations to improve our seafront and make it even better than it is now.”

The masterplan has been drafted over the past few months following a public consultation process last year, which saw more than 1,000 people fill in a survey and attend engagement events.

Dubbed a ‘working practical strategy’, the plan aims to provide a vision to inform the potential of the seafront and help make decisions about its future, covering an area from Swanage Pier to the stream at Ocean Bay, including green spaces, seafront areas and the beach.

Included in the report are the themes so far highlighted by the community as areas which could be improved.

They include pedestrianising Shore Road completely, increasing the diversity of food outlets, increasing seating areas and widening pavements.

Ideas in the document also include out-of-season events to attract visitors and improvements for sea swimmers, a growing pursuit.

The timeline for the creation and rollout of the document is:
• June 19–July 10: Draft Swanage Seafront Masterplan live
• July 10–24: Feedback reviewed from second round of public consultation
• July 24: If only minor edits needed, Swanage Seafront Masterplan to be signed off by Swanage Town Council
• July 24 onwards: Strategy taken forward by Swanage Town Council.

You can find more information on the Masterplan and have your say on the proposals at www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/swanage-seafront-masterplan.