Multi-use building to help create year-round visitor economy for resort town

Artist’s impressions of a new public building set to be created in Cleethorpes have been revealed.

The three-storey building will be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the Promenade, comprising 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.

A planning application was approved in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic.

Now, as works draw closer, minor amendments to the existing planning application have been submitted.

Earlier this year, preparatory works were done on the site, pending the start of development.

In the coming months, more information will be released about this site and the neighbouring Pier Gardens and Market Place schemes.

The three Cleethorpes projects, made possible by £18.4m of Government Levelling Up Funding (LUF) awarded to North East Lincolnshire Council, will see a transformation of Cleethorpes seafront.

The vision is to regenerate three key areas of the resort. In addition to the Sea Road site, the plans aim to:

• Rejuvenate the historic Market Place for social interaction, reconnecting the seafront and town centre, creating jobs and boosting the economy. This scheme proposes major improvements to the square and the reintroduction of a functioning historic marketplace.
• Regenerate Pier Gardens (an existing linear park stretching from Sea Road to the Memorial Gate), retaining the Victorian heritage and feel, but incorporating various new activities. In a Masterplan consultation, people said they wanted to see more made of the gardens, with additional seating, planting, and improved areas for children’s play, events and performances.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration.

“The Sea Road building will help to develop the council’s ambition of a year-round visitor economy and its appeal as a distinctive landmark will draw visitors seeking a place to meet and socialise.

“It will form an important part of the town’s strategy to unlock private sector investment, creating a safe and flexible multifunctional space, that serves both residents and visitors and be an important social and cultural destination, which local people can be proud of.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, leader of the council, added: “Cleethorpes is already a thriving resort and these key projects will help to diversify the offer and extend the season, something we all want for the town, both to support the local economy and local people.

“This well-designed iconic building will allow us the opportunity to expand the promenade offering by redeveloping a prominent site in the heart of the resort and encourage even more people into the area.

“It will bring significant regeneration benefits, representing a substantial investment into the town, with the ability to create a number of new employment opportunities.”