Cabinet to consider landmark plans to safeguard the future of Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Innovative plans to help secure the long-term future of Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre will be considered by Dorset Council’s Cabinet on 6 October.

Government funding could be transferred to Charmouth Parish Council to purchase Hensleigh House as a potential future home for the centre, helping ensure this much-loved education, visitor and community facility can continue serving residents and visitors for years to come.

If approved, the project would become one of the country’s first proactive coastal rollback schemes, taking action in advance of future coastal change rather than responding after a building is already under immediate threat.

Located at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Educational programmes, scientific learning opportunities and information about the coastline make it a valued local asset. Visitor numbers also support local businesses and the wider economy.

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: "Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a valued part of village life and an important attraction for visitors to Dorset. It helps people understand our coastline, supports local businesses and plays a significant role in Charmouth’s identity.

"Coastal change will continue to affect parts of our shoreline in the years ahead. These proposals are about planning ahead, giving the community certainty and taking practical steps now to safeguard a much-loved local asset for future generations.

"This project is entirely funded by government and has been provided specifically to help communities adapt to coastal change. It cannot be used for sea defences or coastal protection works and it's ringfenced so we can't spend it on other council priorities.

“Instead, it gives us an opportunity to explore one of the country’s first proactive coastal rollback projects, helping secure the future of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre before coastal erosion creates more significant challenges."  

Support for the project would come through Future Coast Dorset, a programme helping coastal communities prepare for the long-term impacts of coastal erosion and climate change. Charmouth is one of only a small number of communities in England selected to receive investment through the Environment Agency’s Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme.

Current shoreline management policy for Charmouth recognises that maintaining coastal defences indefinitely in this location is not considered sustainable. Government funding has been made available to help communities adapt to coastal change rather than fund new coastal defence schemes.

Coastal erosion is expected to increase pressure on the current site over coming decades.

Should Cabinet approve the proposals, Dorset Council will work with Charmouth Parish Council and partners to finalise legal, valuation and funding arrangements.

Main operations would remain at the existing Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre site for the foreseeable future, while a new building could provide additional space for classroom and education activities.

The parish council would own and maintain the property, ensuring the asset is rooted in the local community.