Design: Search is on for accessible beach hut designers

The new huts will form a key part of Boscombe Sea Change, a government funded scheme, which will deliver the UK's only purpose-designed accessible beach facilities.  Other projects underway include a seasonal beach access trackway made from recycled pier timbers, enabling visitors with mobility impairments to access the beach down to the waterline.  Improvements to accessible parking in front of the new huts and a refurbishment of the accessible public toilet will also take place in time for summer 2009.

Councillor Beverley Dunlop, Cabinet Member for Environment & Economy, said; "I would like to welcome professional artists, architects and designers to come forward and be part of this exciting project which will enhance the appearance of the area, creating a more user friendly and attractive ambience.  We have been working very closely with disabled beach users and DOTS disability to come up with a design brief for something iconic and different which represents the British seaside town.  We are specifically looking for one off designs with visual flair and unique functions which will appeal to disabled beach users and compliment the UK's most exciting beach front development at Boscombe."

The new huts will replace standard beach huts located next to Coasters restaurant, to the west of Boscombe Pier and will be more spacious both inside and out.

Photo of existing beach huts (photo by Sean Gardiner) 

For more information and to download the design brief

Or contact Andrew Emery, Boscombe Sea Change Project Manager, on 01202 451782

or email Andrew.emery@bournemouth.gov.uk.

The deadline for submission of written questions is Friday 29th May 2009, with submission of models to arrive by Friday 26th June 2009.