Work on a multi-million pound project to bring new investment, opportunities and facilities to Sutton on Sea is due to get underway in the coming weeks, following the granting of detailed planning consent for the redevelopment of the Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens.
Following the approval, initial works to prepare the site are due to get underway soon, with an aim for the new development to be completed and operational by the end of May 2024.
The project, which was shaped alongside feedback and consultation with local residents and businesses, is part of the Connected Coast Town Deal and has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs funded by East Lindsey District Council.
The proposed development is designed to deliver economic growth to the area and provide residents and visitors with state of the art facilities, with the final plans for the Colonnade including a café and restaurant, a Changing Places toilet and a first-floor viewing platform and exhibition space within the main pavilion, as well as two new craft studios beneath seasonal overnight lodges.
The enhancements to the Pleasure Gardens will also create new sensory play facilities, additional seating areas, and space for pop-up events and markets. There will also be increased planting and community gardens, a new dunes landscape and additional walkways, as well as the popular paddling pool, anchor water feature, and tennis courts remaining available for public enjoyment.
Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “I am delighted to see this exciting and transformative project take another crucial step closer to becoming a reality for our residents and visitors, and am looking forward to work being able to get underway soon.
“An incredible amount of hard work and collaboration has gone into the plans for the redevelopment of the Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens, and I truly believe that they will be a game-changer for the local area for many years to come.”
Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for the coastal economy, said: “It’s not every day that projects like this come along, which can bring significant new opportunities, investment and facilities to Sutton-on-Sea and East Lindsey and be of enormous benefit to the entire Lincolnshire Coast.
“I would like to thank the residents and visitors to Sutton-on-Sea for their patience with this major project and everyone who has helped get us to this stage. I welcome your continued support as work gets underway and when the new development opens, to help ensure it is every bit as successful and beneficial as it has the potential to be.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, added: “It is fantastic news that the plans for the Colonnade and Pleasure Garden have been given planning consent and it means that we can now move forward with delivering these significant improvements.
“We know that these sites have been visited and enjoyed by many people over the years and now we have the opportunity to redevelop both the Colonnade and the Pleasure Gardens and secure their future for generations to come.
“The plans for both the sites are truly transformational and will bring modern, varied, and appealing facilities for local residents and visitors to use and experience.”
