TOWER APPROVED, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

By SailGirl | Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 17:01

A one hundred and eighty foot high tower behind the Pavilion in Weymouth's been given permission. If all goes to plan it should be built in time for the Olympics next year. It'll be run by the same people that are behind Weymouth's Sea Life Park, Merlin Entertainments. What do you think about it?.

Tower proposed for Weymouth

Merlin Entertainments said in a statement: "We're delighted that the Planning Committee has accepted its plan for a new observation tower (as part of the Festival Pier redevelopment). This is obviously an attraction we believe both Weymouth residents, and visitors to the town will enjoy for many years to come. Agreement also means that we can complete the project in time for the 2012 Olympics. An exciting new attraction at a time when Weymouth will not only welcome many thousands of new visitors for the events themselves, but also will be showcased to the world."

Craig Dunkerley, General Manager of Weymouth's Sea Life Park will also be responsible for the new tower. He said "This is great news. We believe that the tower will be a must do attraction in Weymouth. The 360Ë panoramic views it will provide will be magnificent and leave lasting memories of Weymouth for everyone who visits. We are also confident that it will prove an economic catalyst, helping to keep people in the town longer, and benefitting many other businesses."

Members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council voted unanimously in favour of giving the tower planning permission. Two residents spoke out against it as councillors made their decision. Work is planned to start in November.

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Comments

I am so pleased this got planning permission. It will breathe new life into that end of the seafront, which was abandoned after the Howard Holdings debacle. Hooray for some vision and action for Weymouth!

By Emily_P at 19:34 on 30/08/11
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Of course we all would have liked something more iconic, but get real, Buckland Riper!! The Spinnaker Tower cost £36 million - 12 times the cost of the The Weymouth Eye. Of that the ratepayers of Portsmouth had to stump up about one-third. It was planned to be completed for the millennium, but took five years longer to build!
In these difficult financial times we're lucky to be offered something like this paid for by private enterprise, which will attract much needed extra tourists to the town. It therefore should be given every support by the locals.

By Dorstransport at 19:20 on 30/08/11
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I think it's a brillo idea. Just wish they'd been a bit bolder in the architecture. I'd love to see a Spinnaker Tower or something else. What about our own, modern Statue of Liberty? Imagine that, it would be fantastic and would really bring people in to Weymouth to see it. It think this has only got short term planning permission though and that means they could do something bolder in a few years time.

By BucklandRiper at 17:24 on 30/08/11
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