Trio of schemes approved to rejuvenate resort town

A trio of projects to regenerate Cleethorpes have been given the backing of senior councillors.

The projects all derive from a Masterplan for the area, chosen to be put forward for Levelling Up Funding as important strategic development locations. The Masterplan was developed by Hemingway Design and agreed in 2022.

The Sea Road project, to create a landmark building on the former Waves site opposite the entrance to the 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.

It received planning permission in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic.

The Pier Gardens project 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.

Changes should create an environment accessible for a wide range of users, while also increasing biodiversity.

Finally, a rejuvenation of Cleethorpes’ Market Square will add space for social interaction, reconnecting the 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.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s 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 during the summer, while commercial operators are sought for the Sea Road project.