Exmouth 'egg' proposed for seafront

Campaign group wants 'biome' on Queen's Drive

 Devon could be getting two biodomes: one at junction 27 of the M5, as part of the retail and leisure development. Plans are already in for that one. Another could be in Exmouth, thanks to a campaign group.

Save Exmouth Seafront, which once harboured hopes to prevent Queen's Drive being redeveloped, has proposed plans to build a biodome on the site of the former privately operated children's play area. It's part of a regeneration plan that are now definitely going ahead that will include a multi-million pound watersports centre. Road realignment so that can eventually front directly onto the beach begins next week.

They'd like a dome similar in the style of the Eden Project, but changed slightly to make it look like a giant cracked dinosaur egg. It will also include facilities such as an ecology centre and a viewing platform for visitors to look out to sea "for pirates"!

Nick Hookway, chairman of Save Exmouth Seafront says he's: "One hundred percent against moving the road inwards as it will cause severe ninety degree angles to be formed on corners, leading to a multitude of accidents." The Exmouth Egg would be a community resource run as a social enterprise that could include:

• A biome, providing a flexible space to allow a range of activities such as a meeting place, a work hub, a venue for artistic performances, community groups, crèche, playgroups and so on.
• A viewing tower within the structure of the biome
• An ecology area which would showcase locally grown flowers, shrubs and trees for which the area has a national reputation
• A puzzle area which could include games, such as open air chess set with seating designed to encourage participation and cooperation
• A fitness area, which might be suitable for activities which could benefit all users of the Exmouth Egg, regardless of age, condition or disability
• A mini lido specifically designed for people with limited and/or severe mobility issues.