Coinciding with the news that the licence for Europe’s First Artificial Surf Reef has finally been granted, Bournemouth Borough Council has announced today that HemingwayDesign is to create super beach huts on Boscombe seafront to accompany the reef. Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway, of HemingwayDesign, have been commissioned to apply their talents to the neglected 1958 Overstrand building on Boscombe seafront. They will turn it into ‘super surf pods’ to accompany Europe’s first artificial surf reef which is being built in 2008, with all the mod-cons expected by the 21st century surfer and holiday maker.
Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway MBE are the designers who created the iconic Red or Dead fashion brand. In the last few years they have been challenging the house-building industry and are creating award-winning large-scale developments up and down the country. Other projects include the new concept for The Institute of Directors, wall-coverings, digital radios and interiors.
Wayne Hemingway of HemingwayDesign says: “We love Bournemouth and the Boscombe Overstrand project is one of the most exciting we’ve ever done. It’s the restoration of a cool, historic building. With the great work being done on the pier and Europe’s first artificial surf reef, Boscombe is about to become big news. The Overstrand project excites us both as designers, and as people interested in seaside regeneration. It’s about celebrating mid-century modern architecture and allowing the local community to fall in love with the Overstrand all over again. We are designing wonderful, unique beach chalets for both surfers and beach lovers alike. We want to re-establish a sense of community on Boscombe seafront, by creating something modern and unique, yet still retain the purity of this historic building.”
The surf reef and super beach huts will be accompanied by a surf-themed retail outlet, a surfing academy and a glass-fronted restaurant offering fantastic panoramic views of Bournemouth and the Solent. There will also be a catering outlet selling good-quality food-to-go, changing rooms, toilets and hot showers, all contributing to the major transformation of Boscombe seafront. As expected, many companies see the area as a sound investment and are already vying for a space in this prime seafront location. Prices and the sale date of the beach huts are yet to be confirmed.
