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NEW plans for an open air arena in West Bay are going on show after a £1.25 million scheme was sunk by flooding fears.

The Mound project originally featured a visitor centre and restaurant but the plans had to be dropped after the Environment Agency's refusal to allow building because of concerns about floods.

New plans to enhance and redesign the area around the car park have now been drawn up - including space for open air events.

The outline plans of the proposed landscaping of the Mound car park are going on display the Salt House at West Bay on August 6 from 4pm to 7pm.

District council Leader Robert Gould said: "Enhancing the area around the Mound has been agreed as part of the general scheme but before the district council makes an application for listed building consent, it would be very useful if we could have feedback that the designs are appropriate.

"The outline drawings are going on display and the council's landscape architect will be there to explain the concepts and chat to people about what they think."

The Mound will continue to provide car parking and a permanent pedestrian space by the harbour master's office.

The proposed new design will be flexible to allow occasional closure of the car park for special events.

The Mound area is planned to have new paving, street furniture and public artwork to reflect the history, geology and nature conservation of West Bay and its surroundings.

The proposed work is part of the scheme of enhancements agreed following public consultation by West Dorset District Council.

Work is planned to start this winter subject to listed building consent to change this prominent area of the harbour.

Listed building consent is needed because the area is attached to the harbour which is a listed building.

The scheme of improvements is also progressing with the provision of new public toilets and footways in the car park at West Bay Road, also scheduled to start this winter.

12:53pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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