MINEHEAD residents will be asked what they would like to see in two new seafront shelters to be built by Minehead Coast and Development Trust on the eastern side of the Esplanade. Suggestions already include beach showers, lockers and a water refill station.

The trust has been working with Squirrels Architecture to develop designs for the shelters and is now inviting comments and feedback on the designs, plus ideas for how the new facilities could be used.

The project forms part of the wider Enterprising Esplanade scheme and is funded by the Coastal Communities Fund and Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation Fund secured by Somerset West and Taunton Council.

The two new proposed shelters will be erected on either side of the pirate ship play area on the Esplanade and will provide sheltered seating space for visitors and residents to enjoy sweeping views across the bay and out to sea.

The trust has been working with local architect Cerys Dehaini of Squirrels Architecture and project coordinator, Zara Aitken, said: “We are extremely excited to be working with Cerys, who is known for her responsible approach to sourcing materials and reducing the environmental impact of her projects.

“We have taken inspiration from the local natural and built environment and are committed to ensuring these new structures are sustainable by seeking to use salvaged and locally available materials, as well as reusing and recycling components as far as possible and ensuring the structures are robust and easy to maintain.”

She added: “Much thought has been given to how these shelters might be used and consideration has also been given to additional features that might be useful to visitors and the local community, such as a noticeboard, water refill station, beach shower, phone/key lockers and solar-powered lighting.”

The trust is keen to hear the public’s views on how the new shelters might be used and any ideas for useful features which could be included. More information is available on the MCDT’s website: www.mineheadandcoast.org.uk.