The Longest Bench

The vision to create a 650 metre long bench was partly funded by CABE’s Sea Change funding, a capital grants programme for regeneration in seaside resorts together with private charitable donations.

Using traditional timber boardwalks as its inspiration, the design team collaborated with a local junior school to develop the concept of an undulating, slatted bench which follows the seafront promenade for more than half a kilometre. The continuous structure weaves around lamp posts, bends behind bins and drops to the ground to allow access between the beach and the green. Two bronze-finished shelters have open views of the sea framed by the looping bench. The completed project is both an exciting visual work of art as well as practical in its purpose.

The Longest Bench was the recipient of a Civic Trust Special Award for Community Impact and Engagement.