The south coast is gradually getting a face lift. New design creations are popping up along the shores of the English channel, a perfect example is the East Beach Cafe. A steel cocoon solidly rooted on Littlehamptons' shingle coastline. It has been designed to withstand whatever the elements throw at it and will weather accordingly only adding further to its organic appeal.
It is hopefully the beginning of a new era for our coastal towns and villages. Living on the Kent coast myself I am very aware of the shabby state the strong winds and salty air have left our seaside buildings in over the years, not to mention the cheesy arcades and kiss-me-quick tat which unfortunately can not be excused by the weather!
Thomas Heatherwick the designer describes his shell-like building as 'a place of prospect and refuge'. There have also been 'chatterings' amongst the locals that the cafe could have the same effect on Littlehampton that The Guggenheim had on Bilbao. Perhaps a little optimistic, but if it wasn't for the potent media coverage only the odd brave dog walker would ever be likely to stumble across this raw creation on a windy summers day, so anything is possible.
I do appreciate the white-washed look of our conventional seaside abodes but this new cafe is such a refreshing contrast and will hopefully bring new life and more new interest to a seaside town which has definitely seen better days. So bring on more design like this and we could be saying goodbye St.Tropez hello Bognor Regis....maybe..?
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