Business appointed to lead the design for Pier Gardens regeneration
Pier Gardens is a 14,000 square metre garden area in the heart of Cleethorpes, and is the subject of one of the three Levelling Up Funded projects in the town, alongside Market Place and Sea Road.
In the Masterplan, developed with local people and approved by the Council in 2022, local residents and businesses wanted to see the gardens changed and refreshed, to include new activities for children to do, a space for quiet contemplation, but also as a better space for hosting markets and other entertainment. This concept was included in the Masterplan, and subsequently received Government funding to progress.
Last year, the Council tendered for landscape designers to take the concept plans to the next stage, and the contract has been awarded to WSP, who have, as part of their team, Hemingway Design, who worked on the Masterplan.
Anson Forrester, from WSP, said: “We can’t wait to get going on this project. It’s a fabulous resort and can only be enhanced by the work in the gardens. We’ll be looking for input from local people in to take the works from concept to final design – please do take part, ultimately, these are your public gardens, and like the council, we want to see these used. The design of the gardens will be key to that – creating spaces that people want to spend time in.”
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration. Opened in 1885, Pier Gardens’ location is at the heart of the resort and the scope for re-development is vast. The area for regeneration presents a unique opportunity to create a space that will become an attraction for residents and visitors alike. The linear park raised above Central Promenade is a hidden and an underutilised gem of a public green space that could offer so much more.”
WSP has recently completed projects in Swansea, Lowestoft and Blackburn, and has a track record of working with coastal communities delivering projects that change how people feel about spaces in their towns.
The next stage of the Pier Gardens work will involve drop in sessions where people can find out more and give their detailed views about the space – how it could work, what could be included, how the space needs to change and adapt for our future climate and mobility.
The first drop in session is a joint one with the Market Place project on 29 February at Cleethorpes Town Hall between 12noon and 7pm.
Sessions will also be held with community groups and local stakeholders, as well as being able to feedback your thoughts online.
The final design for the gardens will be based on feedback, as well as budgetary considerations, and is planned to be developed over the first half of this year, with construction starting in the autumn / winter of 2024.
District Council installs 7 new defibrillators in Spalding
South Holland District Council has completed work to refresh and improve the availability of defibrillator equipment from council owned buildings in Spalding, installing seven new life-saving kits across the town.
The work, carried out by the Council’s assets team, means that there are now nine council maintained defibrillators in the District, alongside dozens of others managed by other organisations and businesses.
Through the new installations the Council hopes to provide quicker and reliable emergency response resources to residents and visitors should they ever need them, and is made possible through a Government scheme offering councils subsidised purchase of the vital equipment.
Whilst carrying out installation the Council has also funded upgrades to equipment and cabinets to ensure the longevity of the facilities, which will be checked monthly to ensure batteries, pads and other equipment is within date and operational.
The Council’s defibrillators can be found at the following locations:
Accessible 24/7:
• Public toilets, Winfrey Avenue.
• Broadgate House, Westlode Street.
• The Lighthouse, Haverfield Road, The Lighthouse.
Accessible during opening hours:
• South Holland District Council offices, Priory Road.
• South Holland Centre, Market Place.
• Ayscoughfee Gardens.
• Council Depot, West Marsh Road.
• Council Depot, Bervor Close.
• Spalding Cemetery, Pinchbeck Road.
Exact locations of all defibrillators, as well as your nearest available one, can be found at www.defibfinder.uk. All council defibrillators are registered with The Circuit, the British Heart Foundation’s national network for ambulance services across the UK.
If ever needed, they can be accessed by calling 999 who will share the best available location and the key code to access them safely.
Councillor Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning, said: “I’m very pleased that we have been able to increase the availability of defibrillators in the District, by making sure we are doing all we can to make life-saving equipment available should the worst happen.”
You are now engaged and have set the date…time to get planning!
Every bride dreams of their special Wedding Day, but to make that dream come true takes a lot of planning and organisation.
Whether you have just started your Wedding planning or only have a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need at the Cupid’s Spring Wedding Show taking place at Springfield’s Exhibition Centre on Sunday 3rd March.
With over 50 stands, fashion shows, and gifts for the first 250 brides, this event remains the biggest Wedding Show in the region.
Experts in the Wedding Industry, from local independent specialists to larger high street retailers, will display their products and services, giving you an idea of their work and price ranges which will assist you in establishing a budget for your special day.
You will be inspired by the ideas and options available and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss your own unique and personal requirements.
The exhibitors are the best at what they do, meaning they have tons of ideas and want to work with you – cake specialists can find a cake recipe to meet any special diet requirements, venue dressers will be able to turn any venue into a magical wonderland for your wedding day. Struggling to find that perfect ring? Jewellers will be able to design this for you, bridal gown experts will help you find THE perfect dress, and photographers will help you capture the most important day of life to treasure forever.
Top tips to get the most out of your day:
- Download your FREE tickets at www.cupidsweddingshows.com
- If you already have your bridesmaid dresses or colour theme finalised, take swatches of material to match and book other aspects of your Wedding such as venue décor
- You could set up a temporary Wedding email address where all of your Wedding related emails from suppliers can be sent to
- Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple and offer special show discounts
- Try to watch the fashion shows. Here you will see new trends, colours and designs not just for the bride but for the whole bridal party…and most of all, enjoy your day!
Further £2.5m promises to create more skilled workers for vital sectors
A further £2.5m from the second phase of the Higher Technical Education Skills Injection fund promises to help the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology support learners across Lincolnshire to achieve highly-valued qualifications within priority sectors, such as engineering, construction, manufacturing, health, science, agriculture and environmental technologies.
Partners that are set to benefit from the funding include Boston College, Grantham College & University Centre, Lincoln College, Riseholme College, University Campus North Lincolnshire, and University Centre Grimsby.
£1.5m of capital investment will go towards state-of-the-art equipment, which will ensure that students and employers have access to the latest technologies.
The remaining £1m of resource funding will be invested in ensuring that LIoT partners can meet future employer and student expectations, including upskilling delivery staff in upcoming industry techniques.
Mick Lochran, Director at Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, said: ”This additional funding couldn’t be more valuable to us. If Greater Lincolnshire is to tackle the county’s long-term productivity gap and train the highly skilled professionals modern industry needs, education providers must be able to invest in the latest technologies.
“That being said, our work can only continue to succeed if more employers are investing in their workforce to build the higher level skills of the future. We’d urge all firms within these industries to upskill and develop their employees.
“I’m very excited to see what the next few years hold for all of the partners of Lincolnshire Institute of Technology – it’s fantastic to be a driving force in upskilling our area.”
Image: Mick Lochran, Director at Lincolnshire Institute of Technology
Construction gets underway to create new multi-million pound Emergency Department in Boston
Work has begun on constructing the new multi-million pound Emergency Department at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
The demolition of the building next to the existing Emergency Department has been completed, foundations have been poured and the concrete infrastructure is being installed for the two-storey new build extension.
Once the concrete floors, stairwells, lift shafts and other structural elements are in place, the exterior brickwork, walls and windows will be installed. Work will then begin on the interior and once completed the current Emergency Department will then relocate into this area early next year.
This will then enable practically everything to be demolished, replaced and transformed in the current department, before the two areas merge in 2026.
Once completed, the finished transformation will see the new department more than treble in size and include state-of-the-art innovations and infection prevention control measures. It will also have more cubicles to treat patients and a larger resuscitation zone for the sickest patients.
It will also include a separate area dedicated to providing emergency care for the hospital’s youngest patients and their families.
There will also be a dedicated calm space away from the busier areas of the main department where trained staff will be able to provide mental health support to patients.
To support the Emergency Department the new build will also have a new X-ray and CT scanner to perform the necessary diagnostics to help assess patients. There will also be more training spaces available to help staff develop.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive, Andrew Morgan, said: “This is a really exciting stage of the transformation as we are seeing the construction work developing out of the ground. There is still a lot of work to be done, but it is great for everyone to see the progress that is being made.
“I would also like to thank all of our patients, visitors and staff for their understanding and support. This is just the start of our transformation journey and we could not do it without your ongoing co-operation.
“By working together, we are going to give our patients and staff the first-class Emergency Department that they need and deserve for the future.”
Image courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
New solution helping those in need in Grimsby welcomes first residents
A new council complex for people without homes and facing difficulties in supporting themselves to live independently, has welcomed its first residents.
North East Lincolnshire Council has taken a long-term lease on Swan House – a 29-apartment building in New Haven Terrace, Grimsby. Developed and refurbished privately, the building was empty when the council stepped in.
A welcome alternative to putting those who are eligible for statutory homelessness assistance in bed and breakfast or other alternative and expensive accommodation, clients are offered recently-furnished smart one and two-bed apartments within the secure complex.
Once there, residents have fully fitted kitchens and appliances, such as washing machines, that enable them to live safely and do their own cooking and washing. They are also responsible for their own cleaning and managing their budgets to pay bills.
Importantly, support is also available from the council and its partners to help those who may have issues with money, benefits, or health and wellbeing. Round-the-clock housing management, and external and internal CCTV also ensures security.
The authority’s Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, who also has responsibility for housing, welcomed the initiative as a blueprint for the future.
“We were very excited at the idea of Swan House when we approved it at Cabinet last year, and now having seen it in person, it brings the idea to life. This facility will have such a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people in our borough.”
Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
New mini-orchards to be planted across South Kesteven
New mini-orchards will be planted thanks to a Coronation Living Heritage grant awarded to South Kesteven District Council.
The Council is hoping to plant up to 31 new orchards next winter using money from a fund created to celebrate the King’s Coronation.
Parish councils and community groups can apply for up to £1,500 to plant at least five fruit trees on publicly accessible sites, plus protective spirals and canes, information signage and protective fencing if required.
Parent/teacher associations with public accessible space can also apply, and planting could be particularly popular for schools with an Eco Schools Green Flag Award.
Cllrs Patsy Ellis and Rhys Baker, who share SKDC Cabinet responsibilities for Environment and Waste, said: “It’s great news, and we are looking forward to seeing these new orchards in flower all over the district as a living reminder of the accession of King Charles lll.
“Orchards deliver on so many counts, from the organic fruit they provide to engaging the community, not to mention helping us to withstand climate change, help carbon sequestration and filtering of pollution.”
The choice of fruit trees is down to local preferences, but successful applicants will need to outline plans for aftercare of the orchard to ensure it is maintained permanently.
There are two funding rounds for groups and organisations to bid into with closing dates of 28th June and 27th September 2024. Planting is expected to start in November, with all projects to be finished, complete with dedication services, by the end of March 2025.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/gpointstudio
Steve McQueen’s Great Escape motorbike to be on show at the IBCC
Steve McQueen’s iconic motorbike from ‘The Great Escape’ is being loaned to the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln for the 80th anniversary of the escape attempt on which the film is based.
The 1963 film recounts the daring escape attempt of 76 allied airmen POWs from the German prison camp Stalag Luft III on 24 March 1944. All but three of the escapees were recaptured and 50 of the airmen were summarily executed. Of these, 28 were members of Bomber Command and are remembered on the IBCC’s Memorial walls.
To pay tribute to those men, on Sunday 19 May the IBCC is hosting its annual InSpire Ride2024, a charity fundraising event that welcomes hundreds of bikers every year.
One of the most iconic scenes in the ‘The Great Escape’ – and in cinema as a whole – is Steve McQeen jumping a 12ft high wall of barbed wire on a Triumph TR6 650 Special. This year, the IBCC has announced the same Triumph used in this scene has been loaned to InSpire Ride2024 to commemorate the escape’s 80th anniversary.
Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: “The Great Escape film is a classic piece of cinema that brings to life and has immortalised the incredible feat of bravery, hardship, and determination in the face of adversity, that the POWs of Stalag Luft III endured.
“For the escape’s 80th anniversary, we’re thrilled to have Steve McQueen’s motorbike on display for our visitors to come and take photos with. However, we’ll also have plenty else on the day to remember, recognise, and reconcile the sacrifice of those who lost their lives.
“All proceeds from InSpire Ride2024 will go directly back into funding the IBCC’s heritage preservation, education and outreach programmes, and we’re grateful for your support.”
To find out more about the InSpire Ride2024, visit its website here: https://internationalbcc.co.uk/about-ibcc/news/events/inspireride2024-the-great-escape-at-80/
Refurbished Market Rasen building returns to its former glory
A project to preserve the historic character of one of Market Rasen’s flagship buildings is now complete.
Specialist contractors have carried out repairs to the exterior of the building at 9-10 Market Place in the town centre. It is the second major building to benefit from funding from the Market Rasen Historic Building Grant Scheme. The building at 24 Market Place was the first major project which was complete in autumn 2023.
West Lindsey District Council is working in partnership with a local steering group, which is made up of local businesses, councils, and conservationists on the pilot project, which aims to unlock the potential of the town’s heritage assets.
The grant scheme, funded by West Lindsey District Council, is supporting the regeneration of significant buildings in the centre of Market Rasen.
The former bank at 9-10 Market Place has had a number of repairs made to it including repairing and decoration to the windows, installation of new doors and fan lights and repairs and redecoration of the render. Now completed, the building makes a significant contribution to the historic diversity of the marketplace.
Cllr Stephen Bunney, ward member for Market Rasen, has welcomed the completion of the work. He said: “We have been eagerly watching the work take place on the building and I am delighted to see the scaffolding has now been removed to highlight this historic building, refurbished and back to its former glory.
“These works not only give a visual boost to the area in terms of visual appeal, they also help conserve part of the town’s rich heritage and ensure they are an attractive proposition to be used in our wonderful town centre.”
The grant helps to fund work to improve and conserve historic buildings, using traditional materials and techniques in keeping with the heritage of the area. This includes work such as repairing timber windows and shopfronts, removing unsightly paintwork, or repairing or renewing damaged render. It also can include new, traditional hand painted signage, which is more in-keeping with the properties.
Owners of the building, 8888 Capital Group Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be able to deliver this beautiful project, with significant support from both West Lindsey District Council, and Market Rasen Town Council.
“We would like to give a special mention to Cllr Stephen Bunney who has been tireless with his support, introductions, and words of wisdom! We could not be happier, breathing life right back into the heart of Market Rasen Town Centre with nine fabulous new high-spec apartments and a really promising, community-serving, long-term tenant on the ground floor to boot!”
Local heritage representative Neil Taylor said it was great to see the completion of the second building being developed as part of this scheme.
He said: “Local people will be happy to see this, and other buildings being transformed, vastly improving the visual appearance and improving the heritage of our much-loved town.”
The project will now commence work on the former bank at 7 Market Place in the spring, followed by 5-6 Market Place.
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
Community-led health and wellbeing projects receive funding support in West Lindsey
Eleven innovative community-led health and wellbeing projects have received funding support from West Lindsey District Council.
Projects include supporting animal assisted learning, a new tent for scouts, a befriending service and drama ‘drop-in sessions’ raising awareness of mental health and support available.
The Council supported the projects through its Community Grant Scheme.
Councillor Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee, said: “There are so many great innovative community-led projects being delivered that reach residents across the district, including those facing particular disadvantage or marginalisation.
“In order to improve and contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of all of our residents, we need to build on community knowledge and expertise and support community leadership.
“Community-led action on health and well-being is a priority within the Lincolnshire District Council’s Health and Well-Being Strategy. Our grants programme is crucial to help communities deliver projects that are needed in their local areas, and I wish them every success.”
The following are some of the grants West Lindsey District Council are currently supporting through the Community Grant Scheme:
- Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health – Drama drop-in and story-telling
- GoGro CIC – Food4Thought project Gainsborough
- Moments of Light Ltd (GLINT) – Provision of all-weather facilities
- Nettleham Scout Group – New tent
- LGBTQ+ Village CIC (Think 2 Speak) – Empower and protect West Lindsey’s LGBTQ+ Young People
- Happy Hooves – Happy Hooves on the Road
- The Network CIO – West Lindsey Youth Outreach
- Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society – By My Side
- Wellness Network CIC – The Mind & Body Programme – New Parents
- Age UK Lindsey – Befriending project
