6.155

This, and paragraph 6.156 do not offer a coherent view of the distinctive unified character of the Horntye/Summerfields/Civic and Museum area. The area was originally in the curtilage of a large and some other domestic properties. Most of the key elements of the landscaped grounds remain and are being gradually rehabilitated. It is a rare example of an extensive landscaped garden in an urban location rus in urbe. Over the years the land has acquired great wildlife significance. The Museum was placed in a house within the south of the area. Subsequently the area was earmarked for a civic complex which was erected in piecemeal fashion. The area is strategically located for pedestrian movement threading throgh the civic complex and landscaped gardens, between the station and town centre, the Falaise leisure area(and Pier beyond), the Cricket ground and the Bohemia and Central St Leonards residential areas. The area suffers at present through a visual and functional fragmentation, for example the ice house is cut off from the remainder of the landscaped gardens, the civic complex is criss-crossed with drives and parking areas. The Museum is somewhat detached from the rest of the area by the bulk of a leisure centre and from the Falaise by Bohemia Road.