8:00am Thursday 1st October 2009
By Sonia Elks
A FAMOUS design duo have visited Clacton to share their thoughts on how the town could be regenerated.
Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway, founders of Red or Dead fashion label, were invited to the resort by Tendring Council’s regeneration team.
The pair are interested in seaside regeneration, and worked closely with authorities in Boscombe, near Bournemouth, which has undergone an £11million makeover.
The aim there was to re-establish a sense of community on Boscombe seafront by creating something modern and unique.
They were invited to give their views on Clacton.
Wayne Hemingway MBE said the meeting had been “exploratory” with no firm plans to work on any projects in the town yet.
He said: “We have got lots of ideas, but we would not discuss them at the moment.
“Like so many seaside towns, it has got so much potential which is not realised at the moment. It has got some pretty impressive architecture that isn’t totally apparent when you walk towards it, and it has got some old buildings which could come back into better use.”
He said many of the things that could be improved in the resort were “in common with many seaside towns,” but added: “Seaside towns are some of the most valuable resorts in Britain.”
Gerardine Hemingway MBE added: “Clacton, like many seaside towns, is blessed with great hidden architecture that, with a little TLC and creative thinking, can again benefit the town.”
Carlo Guglielmi, councillor responsible for regeneration at Tendring Council, said: “It is very rare you get the chance to pick the brains of such a knowledgeable couple of designers.
“Hopefully, there will be a chance to work with them further in the future.”
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