New Seaton attraction 'masterplan'

A new walking/cycling route could be created around the most popular attractions

A masterplan is set to be development to create a new circular walking/cycle route around three of Seaton’s most popular attractions – and could see a new tramstop for the Seaton Tramway created.

Seaton Wetlands, Seaton Jurassic and Seaton Tramway are run by different organisations, but collectively offer a combined environmental, heritage and educational experience.

Visitors could combine visits to all three attractions in one day from one starting point, and East Devon District Council’s cabinet, when they meet on January 8, are recommended to create a comprehensive tourism offer for Seaton.

Seaton Tramway is already working with the council on delivering a new tramstop that can provide access to the Seaton Wetlands centre.

The report to the cabinet meeting says: “The Seaton Wetlands Link project offers the opportunity to create a comprehensive tourism offer for Seaton that links the council’s tourism assets in the town and will offer visitors a day long experience on foot, by bike or in part using Seaton Tramway.

“It will enhance the Seaton Jurassic offer enabling the visitor centre to maximise its potential as a key attraction along the Jurassic coast.

“Creating a masterplan of projects and an officer group focussed on delivery will ensure that momentum is maintained in creating this important circular link for Seaton promoting its natural and cultural environment.”

Benefits from the proposal, the report says, include tourists and visitors being able to combine their visits from a single destination providing a seamless visitor experience on foot/bike or in part, tram from one destination to the other, the creation of more green space, offer a direct link to the Seaton Wetland and help to showcase the nature reserve to a new audience and help it become more financially self-sustaining.

The Tramway is undertaking preparatory work (legals and planning) in advance of works commencing in 2020 on a tram stopping point with access coming into Colyford, common from the tramline, the report adds.

The proposal, that the cabinet are asked to back, is for a group of officers and external partners to form a project delivery group that will identify and report on the feasibility of delivery of these interventions, make recommendations for taking the projects forward, and secure funding for their delivery, where funding is not already in place.