Cabinet bosses are being asked to sign off the appointment of specialists in coastal regeneration to assist with the final phase of the transformation of Exmouth seafront.

HemingwayDesign has worked with authorities in Boscombe, Bognor Regis, Margate, Morecambe, Lowestoft and Weston-Super-Mare.

If approved by East Devon District Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, March 6, it will play a key role in developing a fresh vision for the mix of leisure uses for phase three of the Queen’s Drive redevelopment.

Councillor Philip Skinner, EDDC’s economy chief and chairman of the Exmouth Regeneration Board said: “HemingwayDesign is very keen to come to Exmouth and work with the town on a new vision for the seafront, especially now that the water sports centre design and planning proposals are moving forward. We want to move ahead and capture ideas for phase three of the seafront site.

“The future of the area has been discussed and debated for many years and the appointment of HemingwayDesign will provide a renewed momentum in seeking the very best for this key site in Exmouth.

“Wayne Hemingway and his team can work with the breadth of Exmouth stakeholders to bring a new approach to changing and improving Exmouth seafront and its value to the town and local economy.

“We hope that stakeholders will engage positively and creatively to this challenge.”

The original idea to involve HemingwayDesign came from Transition Exmouth and the authority says it is committed to consult with residents, visitors, businesses and the creative community to create proposals for the final phase of the development.

Mr Hemingway said: “We are excited about the opportunity of working in Exmouth. Timing is everything when it comes to regeneration particularly as the town is about to be offered the opportunity of a new sustainable watersports facility.

“This will attract a vibrant, health conscious, outdoor loving, community with a relatively high disposable income. A new generation is realising that the British coastline has so much going for it and that crowded Mediterranean beaches don’t hold a light to the unspoilt beauty of beaches like Exmouth.

“There is a real opportunity for the town to look forward with confidence.”