We believe built interventions would be advantageous in maximising the benefits of these opportunities. We are developing a three-phase programme over three separate sites as identified on the attached map (Appendix IV), with a six- year delivery timeframe and a 30 year monitoring programme.

HVL are currently actively involved in the delivery of another large project: the Hoylake Beacon Arts Village; a £3.64 million project funded by the Coastal Communities Fund. This was a joint partnership between HVL, Hylgar Properties Limited and with the support of the Local Authority among others.

This new project will again be a joint partnership, between HVL and Cheshire Wildlife Trust, with some private enterprise investment and Local Authority support.

Supporting activities
In addition Hoylake Vision Community Planning Forum is in conversation with the Local Authority about plans to extend the NDP boundary to include more of the foreshore to help facilitate these projects which will be part of an extensive public consultation.

The NDP is also to propose designation of the foreshore as a Coastal Change Management Area (CCMA) and to include other objectives, priorities and policies, subject to public referendum.

This project also links with another HVL project; the Hoylake Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre.

We have been in conversation since 2012 with WMBC, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Liverpool University, RSPB, the Environment Agency and the Golf Environment Organisation to explore this opportunity in the hinterland behind Hoylake. The project interfaces with a proposed eco-golf resort for which conversations are ongoing.

Phase One: New Nature – Delivery in 2020

• HVL are members of WMBC Coastal Advisory Group, working with a number of coastal experts to advise WMBC on new beach management programmes including dune succession management and to inform the general public of developments.
• This will require investment in new printed materials, development of a website, social media channels and other media for wider public engagement and awareness raising.
• Information boards along the promenade will be created to educate visitors and the wider public about coastal and climate change processes and the significance of saltmarsh and dune succession in new habitat creation.
• Information boards encouraging responsible dog walking to minimize bird disturbance during the critical winter months.
• A geomorphological survey will be required which will gather the initial baseline data on which future beach management and coastal process projections can be based.
• A Habitat Regulations Screening Assessment will also be required.
• A small, off-site manufactured modular negative carbon emissions building on the promenade (Site one on map; historic planning permission exists on this site) with reduced construction time, cost and environmental impact.
• The building will include a small office area for a Cheshire Wildlife Trust member of staff as well as an opportunity to be used as a for-hire meetings space.
• The building will also house public conveniences (there are currently no facilities along the foreshore); a small visitor / education centre; a viewing area, a small commercially operated concessions area for ‘street food’ style offer to bring additional income.
• Possible all terrain wheelchair hire.
• The building will include solar panels and a micro wind turbine for small scale local power generation as well as a micro DC power grid system to make more efficient use of LED lighting and lower-power rating electronic devices, potentially an internet connected Weather Station & webcam, along with a green / brown roof.
• The cost of this phase of the project has not been formally assessed however we would consider a working estimate of £350,000 to be reasonable at this stage.

Phase Two: Visitor Experience – Delivery in 2023

• A larger, modular zero carbon footprint building (Site two on map) housing the same facilities
  on a larger scale, once proof of concept is established in Phase One
• Phase One building can then be removed or used for other broadly related purposes
• Phase Two will include greater facilities with a wider focus on education on climate change, oceanography and coastal processes
• A small café / bar will provide commercial opportunities and revenue stream
• Small screening area for remote footage of net zero carbon beach activities eg Sandyachting championships and bird feeding sites.
• EV Charging points
• Cycle hire
• All terrain wheelchair hire.
• Solar panels, battery power storage and green /brown roof

Phase Three: Learning Hub – Delivery in 2026

•  A larger zero carbon footprint building (Site three on map) offering potential academic and commercial R&D facilities with some public facilities, exhibition centre
• Further public facilities
• Conference centre
• Restaurant as the commercial revenue driver
• EV charging points
• Solar panels, battery power storage and green / brown roof.