Swanage Seafront Masterplan was unanimously adopted by Swanage Town Council at its recent Council Meeting on Monday 24th July 
As part of 'Phase Two' of public engagement (between 19th June and 10th July 2023), the public were asked to give their feedback on the draft masterplan, asking their view of the opportunities highlighted and if anything had been missed. This included a drop-in event at the Mowlem Theatre on 22nd June, where over 130 people attended.
'Phase One' of public engagement (from August to December 2022) saw over 1000 people complete a survey, and over 350 people attend events and engagement 'pop-ups'. The survey in Phase Two had 147 responses, with the majority of the responses being positive towards the masterplan.
The opportunities highlighted by the masterplan were generally viewed favourably by the respondents – with the bulk of answers being ‘agree strongly’ or ‘agree somewhat.’
However, 46% of respondents felt that the masterplan may have been missing an opportunity in one of the zones. When broken down, these opportunities were often linked to the management of traffic – with the most popular responses being the pedestrianisation of Shore Road, making Shore Road one way, and reducing parking along the seafront.
Following on from that feedback, the results of the Phase Two engagement along with the results from the initial survey have been presented to Dorset Council Highways, with a view to reviewing the management of traffic along Swanage seafront in 2024.
Additionally, an accessibility forum workshop on the 10th July 2023 regarding the masterplan revealed that the main priorities in terms of improvements for people with disabilities were the installation of an increased number of dropped kerbs, improved beach access, and improvements for people with visual impairments, such as creating tonal and textural contrast. These findings have been incorporated into the masterplan, along with the development of the Disability Reference Group – a group for people with disabilities that can provide critical input regarding potential accessibility issues, and the development of projects in Swanage.
Results from the survey and details of the minor amendments are available to view on the dedicated website to the masterplan:
Council members also thanked the Dorset Coast Forum for their professionalism and the quality of the public engagement and subsequent report.
Councillor Mike Bonfield, Lead Councillor for the Seafront Masterplan, commented:
“I am very pleased to announce that the Swanage Seafront Masterplan was unanimously adopted by the Town Council at the Council Meeting held on Monday 24th July. This is an aspirational document and the Council is looking forward to taking forward the masterplan, and the exciting opportunities the future may bring for improvements to the seafront and surrounding area.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to attend the public engagement events, and respond to the consultation surveys about the masterplan, it was very important for people to have their say regarding the long-term vision for enhancements to our wonderful, much-loved seafront area, which will be for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike for many years to come.
“I would also like to thank the Dorset Coast Forum Team for all their hard work and dedication to the project, which has been very much appreciated by the Town Council.”
For further information please visit the dedicated Swanage Seafront Masterplan website: