1 Portland Vision Portland - Regeneration Framework Strategy Portland 2012 and beyond Draft report Draft report Draft September 2008 Portland 2012 and beyond: 2012 and beyond: Portland 1 Portland Vision Portland - Regeneration Framework Strategy 6 5 6. overall vision 4 5. An integrated island 3 4. The projects 2 3. Portland’s “strata” 2 1 2. Key issues Contents 1. Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. IntroductionKey issuesPortland’sThe “strata” projectsAn integrated Overall island vision Introduction Background Terence O’Rourke has been commissioned by the South West Regional Development Agency on behalf of local stakeholders to prepare a document that provides a guide to current and future development opportunities for Portland. The study took place during February and March 2008 and involved site visits and conversations with some of the key local stakeholders. The study is not intended to set out strategies that apply to the area, or to review the existing evidence base. The primacy of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s, and the county council’s respective duties are not affected by the study. Instead, the document focuses on the variety of development opportunities that have been suggested for the island by landowners, developers and community bodies, in the context of an analysis of the island’s strengths and weaknesses. The study has not considered in detail an exhaustive list of potential projects; indeed that was not its aim. It has brought together some of the more plausible ideas into an overall framework, which brings coherence to ideas for the way the island as whole could be developed in the coming years. This document represents the beginning of a “route map”, to be drawn up in consultation with islanders and key local stakeholders, showing the way in which Portland might develop in the future. It is imperative that the ideas are owned and driven by the community, and engagement with the local community is the next stage of work. Draft report Draft Portland 2012 and beyond: 2012 and beyond: Portland 1 Context The island suffers from significant social and economic deprivation, with high levels of teenage pregnancies and NEETS (not in The Isle of Portland is located directly south of Weymouth, in a employment, education or training) amongst the young, compared unique position at the eastern end of the famous Chesil Beach, at with other areas. The local economy is still trying to adjust from the centre of the Jurassic World Heritage Coast. It is perhaps best the withdrawal of the Royal Navy in the 1990s. Quarrying, whilst known as the home of Portland stone, used to build a number symbolic of the island’s economy, is a small employer. The two of high profile buildings across the UK and worldwide including prisons, Portland Port, Osprey Quay, and Southwell Park are St Paul’s Cathedral in London and the United Nations building important, and growing, areas of employment. Tourism is also a in New York. The island has more recently come to wider public key industry, with potential to expand. awareness as a result of the 2012 Olympics, as the sailing will be run from the newly constructed Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on the northern edge of the island. The decision to award the 2012 Olympics to London, with the sailing events to be based in Weymouth and Portland, has The island’s landscape is fractured as a result of extensive quarrying provided an unprecedented opportunity for the island. There is activity, but it has stunning views of the sea and the Jurassic much construction activity in and around Underhill and the port coastline from its cliffs, and is well known for its exceptional flora in readiness for the Games. However, it is important to ensure and fauna. Much of the island is designated as a special area of that the increased investment, and the increase in visitor numbers conservation (SAC), SSSI (site of special scientific interest), AONB leading up to and during the event, provide a permanent legacy (area of outstanding natural beauty) and LNR (local nature reserve). for the island as a whole and its community. Part of the role of this Restoring the quarries back to their original condition is a challenge, study is to focus on ways to encourage visitors to venture south but has been successful at Kingbarrow, for example. Alternatively, into the island to explore what Portland has to offer. where restoration conditions are not in place, and subject to planning controls, redundant quarries can provide opportunities for development, and this is explored further in the document. Draft report Draft Portland 2012 and beyond: 2012 and beyond: Portland 2 A vision for Portland Portland is a unique and beautiful island with a stunning natural environment, and significant opportunities for regeneration and renewal. The vision is to make Portland a more successful and thriving community, through the careful redevelopment of available land, and by providing more opportunities and better facilities and amenities for local residents, businesses and for visitors. Key tasks are: 1. To improve the island for residents 2. To improve the island for visitors 3. To improve the island for business To improve island for residents It is important that any vision aims to improve opportunities for local residents. Many local residents commute off the island for educational opportunities, employment and shops and services. Providing more facilities and employment opportunities on the island would reduce out-commuting, benefitting the local economy and community, and reducing traffic along the main roads on the island. Access to existing services, particularly for schools and community groups, should be prioritised. To improve island for visitors Portland is already an important visitor destination as part of the Jurassic Coast. The island has an attractive flora and fauna and natural environment, with many opportunities for outdoor activities of different kinds including birdwatching, climbing and watersports. However, relatively few visitors come to the island for these reasons, with the majority visiting Portland Castle and, in particular, Portland Bill. It is essential to encourage visitors to travel from Weymouth To improve island for business and the surrounding area to the island. Once on the island, it is Portland’s local economy is thriving, with significant areas of important to persuade them to travel up the escarpment and onto employment growth at Osprey Quay, the port (particularly the plateau, rather than limiting their visit to Chesil Beach and the marine-related employment at both) and at Southwell Park. Castle at Underhill. Lastly, the aim is to encourage people who This momentum needs to be maintained, in spite of the limited venture to Portland Bill to stop at other attractions and facilities opportunities to improve access by road, by offering a positive en route. environment that encourages firms to start up or relocate to the island, and improving the skills of local residents. Day trippers are important to the local economy and should be encouraged, particularly in the off peak season. Accommodation Tourism is a key growth sector given the island’s natural should be varied enough to cater for all those who wish to stay environment, the trend towards holidaying in the UK, and towards overnight. A range of attractions should be available so that visitors taking shorter “mini” breaks and activity / themed holidays. don’t just go to the Bill and back. Attractions should be appropriate Extending the traditional season to encourage visitor activity in the to the island, ie. small scale, given the limited road access. autumn, winter and spring months will assist in maintain a steady year round economy. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council continues to promote this strategy through the document Open for Business – Economic Regeneration and Tourism Strategy for Weymouth and Portland. A sustainable Portland Overall, the aim must be to create a more sustainable place to live, work and visit. Any new development should consider its impact report Draft on the island in terms of the local economy, local community and the natural environment. Therefore the broad goals of minimising the need to travel by car, encouraging more sustainable methods of building construction, considering renewable energy opportunities, developing community-led initiatives and maintaining and enhancing the local environment should be at the forefront of all proposals for the island. 2012 and beyond: Portland 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. IntroductionKey IssuesPortland’sThe “Strata” ProjectsAn Integrated Overall Island Vision Natural environment – The island has a stunning natural environment, based on sea views, shingle beaches and the steep Key issues cliffs. The island is at the centre of the Jurassic Coast which was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2002. Many of the former quarries have been designated as sites of special There are a number of issues that need to be appropriately scientific interest because of their unique natural environment, considered in regenerating the island and fulfilling the vision for particularly the flora and fauna. These attributes mean that the Portland. island is a perfect destination for birdwatching, walking, cycling, rock climbing, watersports and other outdoor activities. However, Topography – The island is a tilted table of limestone, rising they are also at risk from continued quarrying where there is sharply to nearly 500 feet before gently sloping southwards to extant planning permission, inappropriate development in nearby Portland Bill. The majority of the island is on a plateau and because locations, and litter and fly tipping which is a prevalent problem of the steep gradient, is not physically well connected to Underhill. across the island. Villages – Portland is characterised by a number of distinct local communities. Chiswell, Castletown and Fortuneswell are located around the harbour.