Mural art trail locations submitted for planning approval
A mural art trail proposed for the town is a step closer to being launched after Weymouth Town Council submitted planning applications for several of the locations.
Working in partnership with We Are Weymouth, the locations and designs for the interactive trail which need planning permission can now be viewed on Dorset Council’s planning website.
They include the public toilets at Overcombe Corner, Greenhill Gardens Café, Weymouth Library wall, and the town council’s Beach Operations Building on the beach. The gable end of 24 Trinity Road will need listed planning consent.
The plans are subject to Dorset Council granting planning permission, and people can have their say until Monday 25th April.
Other sites which don’t require planning permission include the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre store at Stone Pier, Weymouth Town Council’s store at Nothe Gardens, and the alleyway at St Mary’s Street Church.
Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth, said: “The trail will attract and engage a wide range of Weymouth residents and visitors to explore artworks inspired by local history and culture, creating a real buzz about the town. Artists will enhance the look and feel of existing buildings adding colour and design to create a memorable and accessible, free walking trail that will promote the cultural development of Weymouth. It will also encourage people to explore the town helping to increase footfall and economic benefits for local businesses following the pandemic.”
Dawn Rondeau, Chief Operations Officer for We Are Weymouth commented: “We are thrilled to sponsor this project; improving the look and feel of Weymouth and creating a unique contribution to the arts development within the town.
“Some of the art celebrates the history of the town whilst other pieces highlight the core themes Weymouth is known for with nautical and musical interpretation. We are hoping that these improvements will bring a new demographic of visitors whilst have a wonderful impact on those of us who take a pride in living here.”
Further planning applications are due to be submitted on sites including the Red Lion pub wall and the gable wall on the side of the New Look building, taking the total number of sites to 10. The New Look building will need listed building consent.
Subject to gaining all the necessary planning approvals, the mural trail is due to go live in the summer. There will be a trail map and QR codes to give people taking part more information about the amazing artworks and history of Weymouth.