Campaign to rally residents behind 'piazza-style' plan for Town Quay

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to win residents’ support for plans to transform Lymington Town Quay by cutting the number of parking spaces and turning it into a public square.

The radical proposals are being suggested by civic group the Lymington Society hand-in-hand with the town council.

They are promoting their idea after New Forest District Council, which owns the land, launched a public consultation having failed to get agreement over what to do with the area alongside a refurbishment of the public toilets, as reported in the A&T.

The two groups’ outline suggestion is for an “open promenade” and an “exciting public space” – similar to a European-style piazza, or square.

The quay currently contains two car parks with a combined 54 spaces plus the slipway and toilet block which is part of the flood defences.

The Lymington Society and town council are suggesting reducing car parking to limited short-stay spaces and for disabled people and local deliveries.

Society spokesperson Don Mackenzie said: “This would enable a significant part of the area to be developed with a multi-use, open public space or piazza.

“Instead of an ugly toilet building, which mostly blocks the magnificent view down the river, and a sea of parked cars dominating the area, we could have a welcoming, open promenade and public space similar to that seen so often at similar sites on the continent.

“This exciting area could be used year round for markets and public events that draw many more people to the quay with a view to completely revitalising this unique riverside site and benefiting local businesses.”

The opportunity has arisen amid plans to refurbish the toilets, including bigger showers, to match the harbour commissioners’ plans for 46 new walk-ashore pontoon berths by the quay.

But there was no agreement between NFDC, neighbours and the town council, which wants a more ambitious response.

Town mayor Cllr Anne Corbridge said the loss of some parking would be worth it to secure a new public space for events, despite the local shortage of spaces often sparking complaints.

She said: “As the town council we’re very keen to get a better quay as opposed to just improving the loos in the middle of a car park. We very rarely use if for events, at the moment.

“We’re very keen to get a flexible-use space there so we can, as required, use it for little events but also improve the area with a bit of planting and seating so it does not just look like a car park.

“[Parking] is an issue but there are not that many parking spaces down there. I think obviously any parking space is a loss – but it’s a compromise with these kinds of things.”

NFDC has a budget of about £350,000 for the toilets plus a contribution from the harbour commissioners of up to £175,000. The town council has earmarked £100,000 to support wider improvements.

Speaking for the Lymington and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul Wood backed creating a more inviting area at the foot of the Quay Hill cobbles.

He said: “We would be interested in any plans that do remove some parking, as long as there is a benefit to the town as a result.”

There had been hopes to have the toilets revamped in time for the walk-ashore pontoons’ completion expected early next year. They are being built by the harbour commissioners to compete for visitors with other local marinas, including Beaulieu.

Mr Mackenzie added: “We encourage our members and local residents to support these proposal to rejuvenate the quay and create a new vibrant and open public space on the quay, by taking part in the NFDC consultation exercise and making their views heard.

“As with any change, there will be some who will feel unable to support this vision.

“However the society feels strongly that the interests of the wider community need to be taken into account and that we should take this opportunity for a bold scheme that will rejuvenate the quay and make it a pleasure to visit for residents and visitors alike for years to come.”

NFDC intends to have a draft proposal by December followed by a formal planning application early next year. Works are scheduled to start in the autumn of 2020.

To find out more go to www.newforest.gov.uk/LymQuay or pick up a paper version from Lymington Town Hall, NFDC information offices and various shops and businesses at the quay.

Responses should be submitted by 23rd September online or by returning them during office hours to Lymington Town Hall or NFDC’s Appletree Court offices in Lyndhurst.