Why local resident Jason West decided to work on a plan for Weymouth peninsula

My name is Jason West and I moved to Weymouth with my partner and two young boys around five years ago.

We really like living in the middle of Weymouth but think it could be truly amazing with just a bit more vision.

A couple of years ago I started a Facebook group called Weymouth Arts Group because I wanted to know why I had to go to Bridport or Bournemouth to see bands and comedians I was into.

I consider the Pavilion peninsula to be the ‘jewel in the town’ and I feel strongly that it should be developed in sympathy with the local community and businesses.

Over the last 18 months I have been explaining to the council that there is a way to attract sufficient investment to develop the whole peninsula in a way that is sustainable, inclusive and fair. The plan would also provide a considerable long-term revenue stream for the council.

For the record (and because two people have already asked me) I stand to gain no financial reward from this initiative. My motivation is provided by my desire to help build something iconic for the town that everyone will want to spend time enjoying. Weymouth needs an attractive and comfortable civic space where we can all hang out, eat, learn and be entertained.

The peninsula is THE ideal location to build something stunning, socially cohesive and economically regenerative.

So far this process has been a bit frustrating for me because last March I told the top people at the Council, in no uncertain terms, that my contacts (who you can see are internationally renowned) were extremely confident that the funds could be raised immediately.

In the eight months since then investment conditions for projects of this type have continued to improve. Don't you find it strange that the council hasn’t jumped on this because everyone in Weymouth stands to win?

This is not a pipe dream. It can be done.

Do you want to see where an expertly run charrette can take us?

If you do call or email the local media. Please give them the link to this small website and share it on social media with your friends.

Easy link to share: http://bit.ly/weypeninsula

Here are some contact details you can use:

Martin Lea (Dorset Echo) e: martin.lea@dorsetecho.co.uk t: 01305 830983

Wessex FM e: news@wessexfm.com t: 01305 250333

Dorset Eye w: http://www.dorseteye.com/contact t: 07580872095

AIR 107 w: http://www.aironair.co.uk/contact/studio/ t: 01305 83 60 40

BBC Dorset e: south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk t: 02380 374372