Three key projects to regenerate the heart of Cleethorpes have been given the backing of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet.
The projects all derive from the Masterplan for the area, chosen to be put forward for Levelling Up Funding as important strategic development locations, and deliverable within the timescales required by the fund.
The Masterplan was developed by Hemingway Design and agreed in 2022, in which local people had their say about the changes they wanted to see for the resort.
The Sea Road project, creating the landmark building on the former Waves site opposite the entrance to the historic pier, will now be developed to provide a new tourism destination. It will include state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality. This scheme received planning permission in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic.
The Pier Gardens scheme will redevelop the existing linear park to incorporate various new activities, including elements that will make it more family orientated as well as quiet areas for reflection, whilst retaining its historic nature. The aspiration is to create an environment accessible for a wide range of users, which will provide activities for residents and visitors alike, whilst also increasing biodiversity within the resort.
The rejuvenation of Cleethorpes’ historic Market Square will add space for social interaction, reconnecting the busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. This scheme proposes major improvements to the square and reintroduction of a functioning historic marketplace.
The Cabinet voted unanimously to accept the Levelling Up Fund money from Government in order to take the three projects to the next stage.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “Cleethorpes is already a thriving resort and these key projects in the heart of the resort will help to diversify the offer and extend the season, something we all want for Cleethorpes, both to support the local economy and local people.
“In terms of the other areas identified in the Masterplan, like North Prom and the Southern end of the resort, we will be looking for opportunities to bring these forward where we can, but more work needs to be done on these with landowners and other parties before we can put forward funding bids.”
The three schemes will now be developed further through the summer, including local engagement for the Pier Gardens and Market Place schemes in particular, while commercial operators are sought for the Sea Road scheme.
