Cleethorpes residents given first look at designs to transform areas of the town

Plans that are set to transform parts of Cleethorpes go on show to the public for the first time today (Wednesday, May 15).

The concept designs show the next stage of development for two key areas of the resort – Market Place and Pier Gardens. Residents, businesses and visitors are being urged to have their say on the planned multi-million-pound schemes.

The two popular areas are set to be rejuvenated, supported by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. North East Lincolnshire Council was awarded £18.4m for the resort last year, following the development of the 2022 Cleethorpes Masterplan, which was spearheaded by Hemingway Design.

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A drop-in event is running today at The Knoll, on the corner of Knoll Street and Alexandra Road (entry through Blighty’s Café) from noon until 7.30pm. An online questionnaire has been launched for people to submit their thoughts on designs, which will then be finalised by the summer.

Market Place

Draft designs for a new-look Market Place have been created by UK based Landscape Architects, Gillespies. The feedback from people earlier this year mainly supported reducing through-traffic in Market Place; however, short-stay parking in the Market Place was highlighted as an issue that needed to be dealt with.

As a result, separately to the Market Place scheme, the council is looking to move the car parking to nearby locations so that there is no net loss of car parking in the area. There are also plans to retain some short-stay layby parking areas in the Market Place to accommodate quick shopping trips and takeaway collection.

Additionally, the new plans show a new public space, incorporating seating for people to sit in a welcoming space and enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat, more natural planting to soften the landscape and reduce the wind, and a flexible space for markets and events.

Pier Gardens

The concepts for Pier Gardens show it completely transformed with quiet areas where nature can thrive, and other family areas where children can enjoy the outdoors. The feedback from people supported more modern and wildlife-friendly planting schemes, along with areas for children’s and adults social activities, and an area that could enable pop-up events, performances and group exercise.

Additionally, people wanted to make sure that the gardens had improved lighting, sympathetic to the surroundings. As a result, specific zoned areas have been designed by leading landscape architects, WSP, that feature water play, terraced play features, play structures for both junior and older children, along with a flexible event space towards the Sea Road end and a quieter area for reflective contemplation at the Memorial Gate end.

Both draft schemes have already taken account of the views of hundreds of people who helped to shape the Cleethorpes Masterplan. Opinions were also sought in a consultation held earlier this year - and now there is another chance for people to say what they think about these latest visuals.

The designers have ensured that both plans consider the make-up of the areas, including access for businesses and residents, existing roads, utilities, and in the case of Pier Gardens the views towards the shoreline and the current natural environment. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council with responsibilities for regeneration, said: “We want the residents of the borough to have their say on the designs as they will be using the spaces in future years.

“This is a great time for North East Lincolnshire as a whole as we move into a new era for our towns. However, we want to make sure you have your say throughout this process so be sure to visit the drop in sessions or provide your comments online.”

The next stage for both projects will be to finalise the designs, working within the grant available for the scheme, provided by Government. These will be put to the council’s Cabinet in the next few months for final sign-off, before the work is tendered out.