Resurrecting The Strand to former glory

A STRAND shop, which has been given the go-ahead to revert its shop-front back to the Victorian-style, "epitomises what the town should look like", says the Town Manager.Tony Collins praised the developers of the currently vacant former Images shop, in The Strand, for their proposal to revert the shop-front back to its original Victorian design.The proposal was approved by the district head of planning under delegated powers and will resemble other listed buildings in the area such as facing retailer Thomas Tucker.Mr Collins said the developers where going down the exact path he would like to see other shopkeepers take.Exmouth Town Council is also working with the Exmouth Society and East Devon District Council to revise and update the existing Shop Front Design Guidance document, which will be put to public consultation in four to six weeks' time.The document is a step by step guide advising people how they can change the look of the shop-fronts to be more in keeping with the rest of the town.Mr Collins said: "If we are to spend �3 million improving the centre of The Strand then we need the surrounding shops to also look good and this (Images shop) is exactly the look we are looking for in The Strand."The idea is to gradually enhance the area and resurrect its full glory, making it an attractive place that people want to come and spend their money - its not meant to burden shopkeepers with extra layers of bureaucracy"The developer, Eagle Investments, has also been given permission to change the use of the shop from retail to a restaurant.Gary Norton, property manager of Eagle Investments, said: "This corner site plot is a very well known building in Exmouth and we therefore wanted to ensure that any alterations would remain in keeping with the surrounding properties as well as enhancing the lettable area.