The Elizabeth Hall site on Exmouth seafront was named as a ‘Priority Regeneration Project’ in the Exmouth Town Centre and Seafront Masterplan, published in 2011.
EDDC’s development brief has always been clear that future use of the site must act as a catalyst for new economic activity on the seafront and also links to the town. The council expected a good return on the sale but wanted to secure a development that looks good, benefits the economy and adds to the overall attraction of Exmouth.
Having been placed on the open market earlier in April 2012, a formal bidding process to buy the Elizabeth Hall site took place in the autumn of 2012 against set criteria. These included economic impact (such as jobs and attracting new spend), design quality and regeneration potential, as well as the financial offer.
The other bidders for the Elizabeth Hall site with whom EDDC held discussions were a residential provider and a community group.
Contracts have since been exchanged between EDDC and Whitbread at the start of December 2012, subject to detailed planning permission.
The Premier Inn proposal is for a three-storey building, rising to four storeys in one section as part of the design, with 60 rooms.
On the ground floor there would be a licensed café/restaurant open to residents and non-residents alike, offering food and drink from 6 am to 11 pm, a vital boost to Exmouth’s night-time economy. In addition, meeting rooms and small-scale conference facilities have been included in the design, with an entrance onto Bath Road offering improved links to the town centre.
Premier Inn have been working further on this proposal with a view to bringing forward a detailed planning application. This is expected to happen by February 2013 with, if planning permission is secured, work expected to begin on site before the end of 2013. Premier Inn will be holding a public exhibition of their plans in the Exmouth Pavilion theatre on Saturday 15 December 2012.
Councillor Andrew Moulding, Chairman of Exmouth Regeneration Programme Board, said: “Having studied all the proposals carefully and listened to what each of the bidders had to say, we were convinced that Premier Inn provides the best deal for Exmouth in terms of taking on this important site.
“This is a fantastic vote of confidence in Exmouth and the interest shown by a major national brand is a very real boost to our vision for bringing new life and energy to the seafront.
“Premier Inn were able to demonstrate to EDDC that their proposal offers most in terms of new jobs, additional spend and investment in the town and the greatest economic impact for the seafront itself. These are all factors at the heart of the Exmouth Vision ambition.
“It’s worth adding that we didn’t just go for the highest price either. We backed an option that we believe is in the best modern interests of the whole town”.
It is now Dec 2012, From 64 responses which started in May 2012 I have been able to record some ten which were unfavourable to keeping Elizabeth Hall. on this particular
Exmouth vision site, some 50 odd had explained reasons for keeping the building.
Many of which was reciprocal in the fact that the same people felt strongly enough to E/mail on several different occasions, but it was obvious that most view’s felt that Exmouth vision answer’s were also repetitive in their response’s.
Most reply’s from EDDC were congratulations to themselves in the fact we would have
New Jobs, New money, More spending, More Competition, Commercial opportunities
Never once did you admit Premier Inn could archive this anywhere else in Exmouth.
You were quick to point out that it would encourage more visitors. Never an answer admitting a Community Heritage centre could archive this once renovated and enlarged it could also inform and enhanced the experiences of all our tourist.
You reminded us the sea front needs a more vibrant alternative, and a catalyst to a new Exmouth. The hotchpotch of old Victorian buildings we aspire to, should now go.
The Hall and ground will help you pay for such things that mostly are a total mystery to how much such things would cost, or even if they will work for the community’s benefit in the foreseeable future which has so much uncertainness for all of us.
Letters pages to the Journal have been emphatic in their views about this new vision It is not conducive to the wishes of all the signatures of those who wanted to save Elizabeth Hall. ‘Of course we need road improvements and specific retail shops’ so to give Exmouth a higher profile for more visitors, but we should not have to sell what is the little left of the Exmouth we love, and perhaps have to pay later for something most of us do not need.
We should not have a few officers making all the decisions on behalf of this town. Supporters of Elizabeth Hall know there is little Christmas spirit left at EDDC who should be honest enough to admit in the reply column that a Premier Inn could never be as successful to this sea side town of our’s, as would a community run Gate-way visitors centre that could show what could be improved and smartened up without spoiling the lovely sea front and certainly not spending so much money on such things which can be done with a little more prudence from our council officer’s.
So we hope everybody will have a merry Christmas who reply to Exmouth vision but most of all we do hope we can see a little more sense at the planning stage in 2013.
All decisions involving major change or expenditure are made by elected members, not officials.
Perhaps you could answer who they are who are making the decisions, would they be elected council officials who proposed the £400,000 Strand Garden building and spent £30,000 on architect’s, building regulation costs, and planning fees only to see East Devon MP Hugo Swire point out that he felt it would have a detrimental effect if it was to go ahead, or was it because he was concerned about public opinion, as our elected members should also be.
You will still not say why a premier Inn would not be successful on another site or why a Exmouth Gate-way visitors centre would not bring in as many visitors.
We have had election leaflets in bold letters saying; YOUR PRIORITIES ARE OUR PRIORITIES in preserving the sea front in avoiding substantial developments.
So you should realize why we are so concerned over what is happening.
You have my name, but we do not know who you are, or what position you hold, are you an elected member or an official of this new vision.
It has been pointed out in print that EDDC had taken it out of the hands of Exmouth Council, in one reply you said that we should ask our council for answers, after it was pointed out that the council members voted their support of the Friends group, so who can we trust in excepting these major changes
whether they are officials or council members in dealing with proposed details.
Ref. Alec Huett’s remarks, 31.12.12. Well said, we urgently need some clarity and honest disclosure.
The statement below, given in reply to Alec is uninformative to say the least, as elected members are ‘officers’ in such as they hold office.
‘All decisions involving major change or expenditure are made by elected members, not officials’
and so I ask…. Do all of EEDC vote then, or if not, then whom?
Members of the Cabinet? …………….(Councillors/Officers: as below)
Paul Diviani (Chairman), Andrew Moulding, David Cox, Jill Elson, Graham Godbeer, Stephanie Jones, Ian Thomas, Phil Twiss ?
Also the Sidmouth Independent News on the web makes a very interesting read, concerning the above.
Members are elected to the council to take all significant decisions regarding policy and expenditure, and to be democratically accountable for these actions. Officers are the professional staff who advise on and recommend the courses of action available to the members. Ultimately all decisions made by Cabinet and other committees are subject to scrutiny and ratification by the full Council in open session.
Well done Alec on your concise and common sense comments, why dont the council listen to you, or the people of Exmouth? Well the premier inn proposal is even worse than I feared. See the proposals at http://www.premierinnexmouth.co.uk/ It was supposed to be only 3 stories, and its proposed to be 4. So another promise broken. They dont show any pictures, but if its anything like the Torquay one shown, it will be like the Hotel Hitler built on the Baltic coast, a holidat prison camp. Still maybe thats a good thing, as his hotel was never occupied….
Anyone who has any doubts that the friends of Elizabeth Hall were not serious, competent and fully prepared to regenerate the Hall should read the 40 plus page document that was prepared with hours of hard work. It outlined funding and a timetable for saving extending and making the Hall a thriving Community Hall for the Future generations of Exmouth. The team of people would have worked to achieve a restored and enlarged building.
It is criminal that this building is being destroyed to build a bland Hotel. Especially so when another larger Hotel is planned to be built on the Splash site next door. If you thought the hall was unsightly take a look at the premier inns on the web, and weep.
The Selection Panel was always clear about the Friends’ good intentions; unfortunately their assessment of the application and robustness of the business plan did not match what you state here. They took a clear view that the greater overall economic benefit to the seafront and the town would be gained through the Premier Inn bid. Architectural opinion is all subjective; some might prefer the look of Premier Inn to the Hall, others might not.
Your Exmouth vision still will not answer why EDDC did not respond to the fact that the renowned firm of consultants hired by the World Heritage steering committee with far more experience then yourselves in their over all record in British tourism, which you have not given any credence to any of these facts. Please tell us why a Premier Inn can provide the economic benefit to our town, even more then a Visitor and Heritage centre would accomplish.
I do believe you did not even conceive or comprehend such an idea.
You have never explained why a Premier Inn would not have excelled in any other part of Exmouth. and nothing is said that if we were allowed to design this old Victorian Building as one of David Cameron’s flagship projects, the facilities we could provide would without doubt bring in as many visitors and tourist that walk from the centre of town into Exmouth’s Sea Front.
Back In 2005 It was pointed out by the Firm of Consultants which was internationally renowned, with a long track record for British tourism ‘said’ when hired to look at Exmouth that their committee was sure that the site of the Imperial recreation ground being the western gateway to the Jurassic coast was in a unique position for a visitor centre, that would be accessibility to residents and a estimated 300,000 extra visitors a year would use what should be an independent project funded by public and private organisations. EDDC Did not take this any offer further and nothing was ever achieved
It was clear that a Visitor and community project was thought to be vital in having it’s access to the water’s edge, this would be beneficial to the town and advised that this project should be up and running by 2010, in achieving the tourism opportunities it would bring.
We now know that cash for such a project will never be available and never happen.
Fortunately we still have the Elizabeth Hall with restoration this could take the place of what would no doubt cost a fortune to replace or build elsewhere.
Under new management and it’s unique position, this old hall could still be made immensely welcome for residents and visitors alike.
The renovation should be sensitive and privately funded, although this is a
belated attempt, our council should do everything possible with their persuasive power’s to convince EDDC that it could still have a premier Inn on the site of the splash zone and then the Victorian visitors centre should be given back to the people which I would like to think was the very Idea of our benefactor in the first place.
We badly need a Jurassic Coast visitors centre in this town of our’s. Please change those arrangements with Whitbread and sell the larger splash site to Premier Inn.
I agree with the latest comment from Exmouthvision. We have to move on.
Alec, you make it sound so easy to do all that you would like to happen to the Elizabeth Hall. But it needs to have people who are used to dealing with such big developments and who will get cracking with it and finish it as soon as possible. The Elizabeth Hall is not a pretty sight, inside or out . Jilly Green had a stall in the hall and was the instigator of the petition I understand that she has now left since losing out to The Premier Inn but is continuing to fight for it. She also offered a LOAN in the hope of a million or two pounds GRANT from the government to redevelop The Elizabeth Hall. I just hope that she knows what she is taking on if Premier Inn back out and it is offered to her! And to be honest I think anything is possible!
It was not just a hope, Jean, Locality (Gov Right to Bid) had already accepted and approved the Friends application, which would have opened up a share of the £30 million Big Society pot of funding for the Exmouth Community. The taxpayers of Exmouth have contributed their fair share towards this fund and are as entitled as anyone else to share in the benefits that should bring. The Friends were also accepted by the Asset Transfer Unit, which would have given them access to skilled architects, surveyors and tender experts and a pre-feasibility study could have been done. This would have determined once and for all whether a Community, Arts & Visitors Centre would have been feasible for the Elizabeth Hall site but instead, because the Localism Act funding was not available until Sept 1st and the tenders had to be in by Sept 3rd, the Friends did not have enough time to access this expertise. If the EDDC had really been interested in working with the local community to determine the best outcome for the Elizabeth Hall, they could easily have put this sale on hold, as requested by the 7,586 residents who signed the petition. As it stands now, the EDDC have never been able to secure widespread local agreement to the sale and demolition of Elizabeth Hall, in ANY of their public consultations over the past 8 years, and it is my belief and the belief of many others that the EDDC deliberately timed this sale to make sure it would be finished before the new Localism laws came in.
In the “Spirit of Localism”…. Not!
It now transpires from the plan released of the proposed Splash site, that there is planned an even bigger, taller hotel below the Beacon cliffs. Surely this would be a better site for a Premier inn, and having it here would leave the EH community hall alone for the people of Exmouth? What is the need for two such similar hotels? will the other be a Travelodge? EDDC destroyed a nice Victorian station and built an ugly mess in its place, and now plans similar destrution of EH. To say the hall is out of place amongst a modern development is like saying the Albert Hall is out of place in Londons concrete and steel.
We have said quite openly that £1 million would be needed from sale or lease of the land at ‘Exmouth Splash’ to pay for the road to be moved and other infrastructure improvements. Neither Devon County Council or East Devon District Council has the resources to do this otherwise. We have asked for, and are quite open to, other suggestions for land uses that could raise such a sum.
If £1 million is needed from the sale of the land at the ‘Exmouth splash’ then Whitbread group PLC will more then cover this amount, and you will have your Premier Inn. The only difference is it will be at the Splash site.
Exmouth will then have the benefit of a community come Heritage come Tourist
and Registrar office for Sea front Weddings.
This will still be open to the general public and encourage more visitors to visit the Esplanade, and once enlarged it will have a cafe and meeting rooms.
Various organisations and multi-national companies will be approached.
The community orchestra will have it’s rehearsal space, visitors will have their own information centre, The council will still hold the Lease, without the trouble of having to manage it.
All repairs etc and expenditure will no longer be a problem to the council.
Of course you will not have the inducement from Whitbread, this will come from the Splash site.
But at some point in time, ‘as has always been promised’ Exmouth will have it’s own Jurassic Gateway centre, which we have always claimed is the start of the Majestic Jurassic coast line of East Devon.
Our council could never find the resources for this on any other location.
What better then the very much neglected but very suited for refurbishment of an Old Victorian Hall, and very much worth the effort, which the friends are willing to put into this much loved and valuable asset, by expanding it.
The much needed employment will be made available a few hundred metre’s away.
The mixed reaction of protesters as you so aptly point out who cause a stir, can then confine themselves to the Halls neglect over then past years, in helping by bringing it back to it’s past alluring charm for the benefit of all residents.
We have been as clear as we can about the need to raise money to make ‘Exmouth Splash’ happen. The hotel or holiday accommodation scheme will hopefully raise the £1 million needed to move the road and undertake other infrastructure improvements. Neither EDDC or Devon County Council has the resources to do this otherwise. We’re open to all views about other land sales or leases at the site which could raise such a sum.
Exmouth urgently needs new investment to support a more dynamic economy in the years ahead, both for present and future generations. Premier Inn will bring not only that investment, but also new jobs and new visitors to spend money in the town and support other businesses. EDDC can’t itself afford to build and back a new Visitors’ Centre, and no realistic proposal came forward during the open-market sale to provide one. Elizabeth Hall has been a good servant to the town over many years, and change is often difficult to contemplate, but we believe this new investment is the right move.
Secret Politics:
On the 1st October 2012 Exmouth Town council reached a resolution that the council would ask EDDC to be allowed to take over management of the Elizabeth Hall in partnership with a community association if the FOEH bid failed.
However at the next ETC meeting held two weeks later there was no response from EDDC, and there was no record on any subsequent minutes from the 1st October meeting. A ‘secret’ document was circulated and debated ‘in camera’ but no resolution was recorded of that discussion. As the matter is of great public interest, and had been the subject of a special Town council meeting it is surely right that any subsequent information and a copy of the reply from EDDC is circulated to the public or to the petitioner of the 1st October meeting.
There has now been a lapse of over a month is it not time for EDDC to respond, and the ‘secret’ document should be made public.
As there is secrecy over a matter of great public interest it is hard not to feel that many councillors are tarred with the same brush.
This is a matter for you to take up with Exmouth Town Council.
There has now been a lapse of over a month is it not time for EDDC to respond to the request by Exmouth Town Council?
Exmouth’s Town Clerk contacted EDDC’s Chief Executive within 24 hours of the Town Council’s 1 October 2012 meeting to discuss the said resolution, which actually read:
‘Should the FOEH bid not be successful, then this Town Council may, after due deliberation open a dialogue with EDDC to assume management of the Elizabeth Hall through a partnership agreement with a local community organisation to administer the hall.’
Discussions continued until 9 October and were then concluded. Having looked closely at the options, both Town Clerk and EDDC Chief Executive were finally satisfied that there was no practical route open to Exmouth Town Council to intervene. In other words, EDDC – who owned the building – were already at an advanced stage of selling the Elizabeth Hall site on the open market.
This was reported to Exmouth town councillors at their meeting of 15th October. The debate was never intended to be held behind closed doors, but one town councillor announced that they intended to raise an allegation of possible impropriety. For that reason, and that reason only, the discussion was moved into ‘Part Two’ of the meeting, always reserved for confidential matters where the public aren’t present.
Once Part Two of the meeting had started, the councillor concerned decided not to raise the issue of possible impropriety – but by this stage the public had been asked to leave. The confidential minutes of this 15th October were considered at the very next Town Council Meeting on 19th November and the embargo on them lifted. They have since been available to read in full on the Exmouth Town Council website at http://www.exmouth.gov.uk/Core/Exmouth/Pages/Full_Council_Meetings_2.aspx
I have been down to council to check out the latest splash news, and must admit some company or other must be making quite a sum of money on all the question-airs and public announcements. So far the consultations are coming up to its third year, and we are still at the stage that we are being asked what we all think about what may or not happen.
I do find it all ambiguous that so far our EDDC only successes have been to alarm us with the fact that after extensive research since 2010 with a number of exhibitions with public meetings with hundreds of residents they have found strong support with (some opposition) that there is a underlying mood by the people for change.
And this has led to that one so-called success so far. The selling what has been in the words of EDDC a good servant to our town but is now tired and out of place on such an important sea front location. ‘The Poor Old Elizabeth Hall’ Well done the council-persons who have managed the master-plan so far, but I can not help thinking it is EDDC that is looking a little tired and past its sell-by date. ‘It may be their funeral next.
Exmouth has been watching for some years over the bowling alley problems and the fact that EDDC has served notice to achieve completion in a sensible time-scale.
Why not have the same approach with the far more ugly building site next to Mamhead
This has been even more of a blight on the Sea Front, and like it for 10 years, nothing has ever been said about any compliance order, EDDC should have obtained the same
agreement but some things do not seem to observe even when it looks so bad.
I wish I knew the answers Alec! I am not a politically minded person, so I suppose I am inclined to accept what I am told by those who are, unless I really feel very very strongly about something – then I will speak out. I have to agree that £700,000 is a pittance considering all that is planned for the seafront. I guess a huge grant is expected! With regards to Mark’s photos, I tapped on the artistic picture of himself and found his email address, i.e. Mark Myerson, photographer and hey presto! Good luck. Jean.
Thank you for your reply, its fair, Many of us are not that qualified. But this is not to say I am not for wanting the best for Exmouth. As a member of the Exmouth Tidy Group we meet once a month so to help keep the town looking as smart as possible. Our group was always invited to each seminar regarding this new vision, and in that time we were able to put our views on what our aspirations for Exmouth were I have to say Jean that much of what we see today at the council office is not straightforward or finalized, and we still do not know the cost. We do know they have made their mind up about E,H and who is going to buy it. Another Hotel/Holiday site is now planned, was Premier Inn told about this site. We are told that they do not want to do this new regeneration piecemeal but they spent 3,000,000 on the enhancement of the Strand project, even the waste bins were over a 1,000 each. The grass area’s are nice but if we have events such as the Christmas Cracker in the strand then it will not be long before the lawns will have to be replaced if they carry on allowing vehicles to park on grass. Little has been done to clean up the Mamhead area of the sea front, this has been like a bomb site for a number of years which hundreds of visitors walk past the road at this point is dangerous, the slip-way has had a Out of order notice on it since Aug. There is no continental foot path established along the seafront to the Exmouth Marina, they do say this will be completed at some stage, but it is all harmful to our image, and gives no credit to any of us in Exmouth, and the reason why I am willing to carry on doing this sort of thing.
On Sun, Dec 2, 2012 at 3:32 PM, exmouthvisi
Mark and you Jean, very good banter, but we should now try to sort Exmouth out,its falling apart if you can believe all what we read from our government and our EDDC who have just £ 700 000 to spend on this new vision, this is why I feel its so important to find out where all the cash is coming from, are they going to sell the Mear for development in the future. But I would also like to see your pictures .
Hi Alec – Here’s my photographic website: http://photo.myerson.me/
Whilst I don’t think the Maer is imminently in danger, it wouldn’t surprise me to see it being sold off in the not too distant future if this council gets their way (assuming EDDC continues to exist).
Those of us who are desperate to prevent that from happening need to start thinking about a defence NOW, and not wait until council makes up its mind – it will be too late by then.
Alec Huett Nov 26
Should not a Town of this size have a community and a hallmark heritage centre, that has multi purpose facilities, that could be used for weddings, with the provision for affordable rates in hire charges, and accessible to all of our residents and visitors.
The Elizabeth Hall when managed effectively could have provided the appropriate venue for what our council should have wanted, (a newly restored iconic gateway centre) incorporating the Victorian appearance that most Exmouth people liked.
This would have complemented the the link from the Strand and the Manor gardens and allow the residents to participate in our own Exmouths Big Society.
As has been said a Premier Inn would add prosperity to our town with employment on any other principal site at the edge of Exmouth and could have saved this site for the future prosperity of all, in having, A new Elizabeth Hall Heritage Centre adding some ambience to the new vision for our links between the seafront and the Town centre.
I realize the EDDC are well meaning, but they should not try to manipulate us into thinking we are stupid, what will you try to sell next to developers, the car parks.
There are absolutely no plans to sell main car parking areas to be built on by developers.
Just to translate – that means: “There are absolutely no plans to sell main car parking areas …but we could make a plan at fairly short notice if we need some more cash.”
No, it means what it said not what you’ve just added.
As you are aware Mark, we do not agree on the future of Elizabeth Hall. But you might be pleased to know that I think your photography is superb.
Thank you Jean. I’m hoping to publish some of my best pictures on greetings cards in the very near future, and I might try and get my pictures into a local gallery at some point.
That sounds like a good idea Mark. I wish you every success. Hope you have a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Jean
What the council points out is that Exmouth will have over time more people and more investment coming into our town and this is the reason why they are selling the Elizabeth Hall site, but this reasoning along with the extra employment would have been achieved by letting Premier Inn build as they do in most other places, ‘on the edge of town’ all working there should find parking space, which can be very costly in parts of Exmouth and Bath road should be kept clear for the many walkers using it.
Exmouth would have all the extra visitors using the Hotel without having to sell, while keeping guarantees and assurances for the residents and tourists who used it.
Of course the council would have lost the cash inducement, but Exmouth would still have what our government is committed under the Localism Act in giving much more weight to the demands of the local community, in having a unique community centre.
The conclusion would have been that the Elizabeth Hall could have been renovated as a heritage and visitor centre, and used as a registry office for weddings on the sea front along with the many other things which a town of this size, so much deserves.
Most enlightened sea-side towns do have such facilities also used for tourists.
The cost would largely be covered if the management was taken away from our council and run by an imaginative ‘Friends of Elizabeth Hall committee, and the council would still have owned the lease of what is such a unique part of Exmouth sea front.
Even allowing for the fact that it has been badly run in the past, it should be said that many hundreds of visitors visited the laid out stalls each weekend in the summer months, this alone gave those walking the sea front something else to do.
The council would have gained much favour had more thought been given to this.
I agree entirely with Exmouthvision response to John Poulson.
I have been a regular at Elizabeth Hall for many years and know just how bad the state of the building is in and can only imagine how much money and how much work is needed in repairing it, let alone building an extension etc.etc. which has been mentioned . I am not saying I am over the moon with Premier Inn winning the bid. To be honest I really don’t know what should go there. I just feel that E.H. has to go to move with the times. Regarding ‘how many people signed a petition in favour of selling/knocking down Elizabeth Hall?’ It would have been interesting to know how many would have signed it had there been one! We will never know Mark. Who knows, there is always a chance that F.O.E.H. could get it if Premier Inn back out! I have my own views as to what would happen then!
Clearly no-one was interested enough in the idea of knocking the Hall down to bother with a petition, Jean.
But at least you’ve got your wish – a beautiful old building, which is an amenity for the community, will be demolished, and will be replaced by a money-grabbing chain which is of no use to the people of Exmouth. If you’re not happy with Premier Inn winning the bid, perhaps you should have thought of that (given that this chain of events was completely foreseeable) before you decided to go on your own little crusade against the wishes of thousands of Exmouth residents.
Great to see debate and discussion on these pages, but please try and respect each individual’s views.
EV – I recognise my comment may be too heated, and I apologise if it is over-the-top.
Personally, my annoyance is mostly aimed at a council which doesn’t listen (see Sidmouth too), but I have also become weary of Jean’s constant petition-bashing on this website and others – hence my frustrated comment.
Jean – No personal offence was meant in my comment, and whilst I strongly disagree with you, I respect your right to campaign for development on the EH site.
n.b. MOST people of Exmouth DID NOT sign the petition to save Elizabeth Hall.
As someone else said above, your argument is ridiculous Jean. Might I ask how many people signed a petition in favour of selling/knocking down Elizabeth Hall?
The bid by Friends of Elizabeth Hall, clearly outlined a business plan, of low risk/ little cost to the Ratepayer. Does your comment saying this is untrue mean that the East Devon Council did not even read the 46 page plan, prepared at great work and detail by FOEH and supported by Exmouth Town Council?
As the EDDC contend that people want Elizabeth Hall demolished, but the petition says that MOST Exmouth people do not, the only fair way to decide would be an Exmouth peoples referendum.
My simalie about The Agents Jones/La Salle was removed. Should I perhaps had said that poachers were in on the bid panel with the Gamekeepers?
Peoples protest over the Hall is not going to go away. If democratic protest is not successful, real protest will follow. People standing in front of the Tanks (sorry Diggers!) will follow. Then the press will sell some papers.
Sorry for the late reply. Yes, the selection panel studied all the bids very closely. It became clear that there were aspects of the Friends of Elizabeth Hall bid for which the applicant was requesting continued EDDC funding and support. Of course we reject completely your comment about poachers and Gamekeepers.
Dear Sir
EDDCs protest that having Jones/La salle involved in the Bid process for Elizabeth Hall was not a conflict of interest would be laughable if it was not so serious. Jones/Lasalle are deeply imbedded (in Bed?) with the Whitbread/ Premier Inn group. These agents were actually involved with the panel asking questions at the bid interviews. I voice my dismay at EDDCs rough treatment of the wishes and petition of the people of Exmouth that they clearly want to keep Elizabeth Hall. The bid by the Friends would have meant keeping it at almost no cost to the Local Taxpayer, and provide a no risk chance for the Hall to be self run. Instead the Council, remote from Exmouth, opt for blotting the seafront with a cheap hotel, that no local person needs or wants.
Devon Walker
Part of the comment above has been deleted for reasons of potential defamation
All decisions relating to the sale of Elizabeth Hall have been – and will continue to be made – by EDDC members and officers. Your statement ‘The bid by the Friends would have meant keeping it at almost no cost to the Local Taxpayer’ is untrue and we cannot agree with your following claim that it would ‘provide a no risk chance for the the hall to be self run’.
Please could you tell us how much you think the Friends Bid would have cost Local Taxpayers?
Sorry for the late reply. There’s no particular figure, but it became clear at the selection panel stage that there were aspects of this bid for which the applicant was requesting continued EDDC funding and support. In terms of the wider cost there would have been the missed jobs opportunity and economic development potential against which the panel considered other bids scored more strongly.
Three worries:
. no viable alternatives at present for existing users of Elizabeth Hall, particularly in view of massively increased costs of renovating Rolle College site;
. where will Premier Inn visitors park?
. a 4-storey building will have a severe effect on views of The Beacon and beyond
There are a range of possible alternative venues across the town which would provide good facilities for most current users. We have talked with them about their specific needs in order to provide the best information we can as they look to move on.
Some may be unhappy about moving from Elizabeth Hall but we have to be honest and ask what the best use of such a prime seafront location for residents, businesses and visitors as a whole should be.
A full list of alternative venues in Exmouth can be seen at: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/halls_for_hire.pdf
Current proposals indicate that there will be over 40 car parking spaces provided at the Premier Inn site.
The building is mostly three-storey rising to four stories in one section only. Those on The Beacon will be able to see the beach and the sea in the same way as now.
It is a sad, sad day when a historical, Victorian, Seaside building is replaced with a block of bricks, known as ‘Premier Inn’…such lack of imagination teamed with selfish greed, and cloth ears, will be the demise of the whole this beautiful area… unless people wake up!
Thanks for your views. Obviously we do not agree. We believe such an investment by Premier Inn is a vote of confidence in the future of the town.
Exmouth Vision?? Can you give me a full and relevant reason why you think that an investment from Premier Inn is a vote of confidence in the future of the town? Is it that they are confident that THEY will make money out of the prime location they will be getting, because from where I’m standing all I can see is that they will have their own facilities, so their visitors will eat, drink and park there for a start, as well as the visitors staying there instead of our already under filled hotels and B&B’s, taking even more money from the town…Please explain your reasons for thinking this a good idea?..I’m not saying Exmouth shouldn’t have a Premier Inn at all, but they are visited because of their cheap rooms not prime locations, so therefore could be built on the outskirts maybe as they are elsewhere??
Of all the bidders, Premier Inn scored highest against a range of set criteria which included economic impact (such as jobs and attracting new spend), design quality and regeneration potential, as well as the financial offer. Although we didn’t just go for the highest price, this offer is important as it can be re-invested in other badly needed capital projects.
We studied all the proposals carefully and were convinced that Premier Inn provides the best deal for Exmouth in terms of taking on this important site. It will bring new and different visitors to the town looking to spend their money, as well as providing a new café/restaurant experience for those who already live and visit here.
Your criteria of ‘jobs and economic impact’ are flawed as jobs will now be lost from elsewhere due to visitors using the Premier Inn, and its facilities, instead of our already under-filled local B&B’s, Hotels, cafes and restaurants. As for the visitors to the Inn, they will be visitors searching for a cheap room because supposedly, they do not have money to spend? I also have no idea why you think it will have design quality either, I have never seen a ‘pretty’ Premier Inn, and still believe the Elizabeth Hall as it stands has more design quality, style and charm than a 4 storey block of bricks!
So that just leaves them offering the highest price?
Nice one! And for what? To be spent on destroying other areas of Exmouth’s beauty and charm?
You also mention it will attract ‘new and different’ visitors? But I’m afraid they are still unlikely to spend in our cafes and restaurants or on parking, because this will all be cheaply supplied at the Inn for them. You also say they will provide a new cafe/restaurant experience for people who already live and visit here, in effect sucking up all the trade!…so Exmouth Vision, how exactly can this be economically good for our town and especially the business’ that are already struggling to survive here? And by the time Exmouth’s beauty and charm have all been sold off to the highest bidders, what will be left for visitors to want to visit?
Our view is that Premier Inn will be good for the town, will encourage new visitors and will provide healthy competition for hotels, cafes and restaurants already here. A popular national brand with a proven track record will help increase numbers spending money here, rather than share the same numbers more evenly across then town.
On the design issue, we do need to work hard to ensure that any building that is approved enhances both the site and the immediate area.
As we have said many times, we did not accept the bid with the highest offer. We went for the option that offers the greatest potential for regeneration and additional economic impact to the seafront and town as a whole.
Well lets hope all three people on here wanting the historic, Victorian, Elizabeth Hall to be demolished are very pleased with the ‘Premier Inn’ being the preferred bidder! Alas Exmouth is being sold down the river, all assets at risk, due to EDDC not listening yet again, to the people (residents and visitors) who ultimately know best! Shame on you EDDC and all who support this rape of our town, seafront and estuary.
Sorry, Friends of Elizabeth Hall, but there are far more people in Exmouth, who did NOT sign the petition ‘Save Elizabeth Hall’ !
And since Winston Churchill was Prime Minister , more people voted against EVERY winning party to gain power . Your logic is flawed , and you fail to take apathy into account .
The 12,000 strong petition to stop the sale of Elizabeth Hall is being handed into the EDDC Cabinet meeting at Knowle, Sidmouth on Wednesday 5th September. The meeting starts at 5.30pm and there will be 5 minutes of representations, after which the debate will be open to the floor with a 15 minute session of Public Questions.
If you would like to attend to take part in the public debate or simply show your support, please contact Nicky K on Exmouth 276583 or e-mail Friendsofelizabethhall@aol.co.uk, so we can assess the numbers for coach travel. We will be leaving Exmouth between 4pm & 4.30pm to arrive no later than 5pm.
It should be a great debate and a wonderful opportunity to show democracy is alive & well in East Devon.
As per the Cabinet meeting agenda, the petition organiser has been invited to make a 5 minute representation to the Cabinet. Subject of Petition: “We, the undersigned, understand that the Council aims to sell this community facility. We want Elizabeth Hall to remain for the community and not to be sold off to a developer for housing or commercial as outlined in the Journal of 8 March 2012”.
The person presenting the petition is allowed 5 minutes to present the detail of the petition. Following this there is a public question time (15 minutes), however, this section is not devoted to any particular item, and questions about any area can be put to the Cabinet through the Chairman (Leader of the Council). Councillors will also be able to ask questions during this slot, priority is given to members of the public.
The only arrogance being shown is by the Council, which has given condescending and high-handed answers to residents’ concerns in their FAQs.
Additionally, the Council claims that the 70% of the 500 who responded in favour of “regeneration” (when asked a leading question) somehow overrule the (now more than) 10,000 signatures on the petition to save the Hall.
The Council’s claim that most of these signatures “are likely to have been from visitors who will know little about the wider regeneration we aim to achieve” is both factually baseless, and is a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of a residents’ petition.
Still – I suppose the residents of Exmouth will benefit hugely from the “new investment into the town” that a block of flats will bring…
We’re sorry you feel the FAQs are condescending. Our aim is always to answer questions with full and relevant facts, and on occasions to set the record straight. We have not said that ‘most’ of the signatures on the petition would be from visitors, but ‘many’. There is a difference. We stand by the statement that visitors will not be aware of the wider regeneration aims.
Once again we are happy to repeat what we have said many times before; that the site will not be sold for a single block of flats. Yes there may be residences of some type on the first floor, but the ground floor would provide one or possibly a variety of much-needed commercial opportunitues that we hope will bring more businesses, trade and visitors to Exmouth and seafront.
Bill, you, or anyone else who wants to see Elizabeth Hall knocked down are free to try and get a petition going to show how many that might be. By the way, it is over 10,000 now who don’t want it demolished . If EDDC had said that we had voted them in and must stand by their decisions, I would have some respect, but what I object to is the way they have ‘spun’ the so called consultation saying we have asked for it – by misinterpreting the answers of 507 respondents to a dodgy questionnaire. They hadn’t the decency to ask, “do you support the demolition of Elizabeth Hall”. I think we all know why. So, over to you to prove me wrong, get out and see how many signatures you can get – from anyone who might want to knock the hall down.
Tim says the development is against the wishes of the local people. The arrogance of the man! 6000 odd people do not represent the tens of thousands that live in Exmouth.. and I expect a good number of those most vocal actually live in Budleigh. This is a brilliant idea. The Elizabeth Hall is about as much use as a tissue paper cup.
Your so called consultation is flawed because you did not do it correctly and the responses were too small the groups that you say had been consulted were only those that you invited so agin where was the public consultation/ the very small number of relies is not able to indicate a broad view of the townspeople, rather it is only the views of your allies in the crime that you are committing, selling off exmouth to the highest bidder shades of maggie thatcher note the sate of the industries she sold off now! the railways in turmoil without enough money to update their infastructure, water gas and electicity sold off to the French or German’s All we have left are those things which no on else wants like NHS what is left of it and a post office that is in danger of going out of business because of government cuts Is that what we can all look forward to for EXMOUTH? I hope not but unless EDDC stop this madness I feer the worst.
In 1962 when all the local branch railway lines were being closed down, because they were thought old and outdated, much as the quotes by EDDC about Elizabeth Hall.
What would we all be saying If we had retained the branch links between Exmouth and Sidmouth. I do think in the future we may be again saying, ‘If only we had kept It.’
Exmouth sea front desparately needs this kind of development, and provided EDDC work within the statements made above (i.e. having public access, being active, being a key site within the beach hub and a meeting point), this has the potential to be a real gem in Exmouth’s development.
There has been extensive consultation on this and it’s time to move on. Our children will not thank us if we allow the town to decline.
Are you happy now that you have seen that the preferred bidders are Premier Inns ?
Do you think that EDDC have fulfilled their objective as the movers and shakers re. The development of our town ?
I await your response with interest !
… Having lived here before the creation of this useless outfit in Sidmouth, I have seen them despoil and leave this town to decay in order to satisfy the Tory right further East..
Don’t forget, EDDC managed the demolition of our former rail station to replace it with the mess that now stands in its place.
Useless!
Thanks for the comment above. We have compiled a detailed Q&A which answers questions raised; however, key points to note are:
• EDDC is offering the Elizabeth Hall site for sale on the open market from May.
• The sale follows extensive consultation throughout the town over a number of years.
• This is integral to the ‘Exmouth Vision’, aiming to bring new prosperity to the town.
• Elizabeth Hall has been a good servant to the town but now looks tired and out of place on such an important seafront location.
• The site should play a far larger role in creating a dynamic Exmouth economy for the highly competitive years ahead.
• It is clearly held in affection by some yet there are others who feel equally strongly it is time to move on.
• We are willing to work with all current users to help them find alternative locations.
• We will be looking for a development that looks good, benefits the economy and adds to the overall attraction of Exmouth.
• Petitions are important to note but so are properly conducted, extensive consultations held across the town over a number of years.
Of course we know that Elizabeth Hall is held in affection by some in the town and hosts a number of popular activities. Some enjoy visiting it occasionally or while in Exmouth on holiday. But we also know there are many others across Exmouth who have expressed a desire for change. While it is difficult to please everyone, it is that desire for change and progress in Exmouth which we are looking to respond to.
Petitions are important to note but so are properly conducted, extensive consultations held across the town over a number of years, not just concerning the recent Masterplaning process. Many of the signatures collected at Easter are likely to have been from visitors who are unaware of the wider regeneration we aim to achieve in Exmouth.
We carried out research across the town during 2010 and 2011 including a wide range of meetings, focus groups and visits to town organisations. These, together with the public exhibitions staged in the town during the summer, all involved listening to and taking on board the views of many hundreds of people.
There have been several consultations over the years proposing change in Exmouth, not just last year’s exercise. Many of the current proposals are not new, and have been met before with strong support as well as some opposition. It is that underlying mood for change – however expressed – which EDDC is looking to respond to.
This sale is against the wishes of local people, 6500 of whom, as at 20/0512, have signed a petition expressing their objection. No ‘outsdide developer’ should expect an easy ride on this one.