Through a Town Centre Partnership initiative permission has been obtained for 38 granite benches to be installed within the Harbour in different locations-Careening Hard, Crown Pier, Albert Pier and St Julians Emplacement.There are two styles, one is a cantilever type attached to the sea wall and the other a stand alone type.Each style is installed in keeping with the surrounding area and mindfull of safety.
These popular areas of the Harbour are extensively used by the public in fine weather and in two of the locations benches have allowed the public to enjoy the view seated which was not previously possible.In the third the granite has replaced decaying wooden benches which had little chance of being replaced as they were originally sponsored some time ago.
The Town Centre Partnership has raised sponsorship for the benches and in consultation with the Harbourmaster new areas have been identified as ideal for granite benches.We are hoping to work with the Environment Department to agree areas of the Harbour which are suited to the provision of granite benches.
There is a waiting list for benches but we would welcome any approaches for sponsorship.The cost of the benches in around the £2,500 including engraving and the sponsors are delighted with the idea as the benches have no up keep and no further costs once they are installed.We are delighted that the bench scheme received a commendation nationally for their improvement to the environment .The award was given by the Association of Town Centre Managers in the UK of which we are an overseas member.
