Yahoo News A look at initial designs for Cleethorpes transformation as more engagement events announced
More drop-in engagement events will be held for people to have their say on Cleethorpes Pier Gardens and Market Place council transformation plans.
Hundreds of people attended the first drop-in on Wednesday to give their thoughts on initial designs for the Levelling Up Fund-supported projects. The proposals aim to revitalise Pier Gardens, and rejuvenate Market Place into a more pedestrian-friendly environment, with possible al-fresco dining.
The proposals originate from the 2022 Cleethorpes Masterplan, spearheaded by Hemingway Design. North East Lincolnshire Council was awarded £18.4m Levelling Up Fund cash in January 2023 for Pier Gardens, Market Place, and a new Sea Road building.
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Based on published budget figures in February, Pier Gardens is set to have almost twice as much spent on it as Market Place. In the 2024/25 financial year, almost £8.4m is allocated to it.
The future drop-ins will be held at:
Monday, May 20, 12-4pm - Cleethorpes Library
Tuesday, May 21, 4-7pm - Cleethorpes Leisure Centre
Wednesday, May 22, 12-4pm - Grimsby Library
Thursday, May 23 - Immingham Library, 12-3pm; Grimsby Leisure Centre, 4-7pm
Friday, May 24, 12-3pm - Freeman Street Market
Those unable to attend the drop-ins to share their thoughts can view the initial designs and take part in a questionnaire, available online until May 25. For Pier Gardens, click here, and for Market Place, visit here.
Grimsby Live attended the first engagement event, which was still crowded in its final hours on Wednesday. Post-it notes of feedback were being placed on design boards. A variety of feedback was visible for both projects. Parking, toilets, a desire for a Park and Ride, and support for natural stone and timber benching in Market Place, appeared most prevalent at the time of visiting.
Market Place initial design
Draft designs for a new-look Market Place have been created by UK-based landscape architects, Gillespies. Previous feedback 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.
Separate to the Market Place rejuvenation, the council is looking to move the car parking to nearby locations so there is no net car parking loss. This issue is being covered at engagement events. There are also plans to retain some short stay lay-by parking areas in the Market Place to accommodate quick shopping trips and takeaway collection.
Market Place's initial design includes a new public open space, with seating, more natural planting to soften the landscape, and a flexible space for market and events. A wind-based instrument could feature, and mural art, too.
Pier Gardens
Pier Gardens would be completely transformed, with quiet areas where nature can thrive, and other family areas where children can enjoy the outdoors. Prior feedback supported more modern and wildlife friendly planting schemes, along with areas for children’s and adults social activities, and an area for pop-up events, performances, and group exercise.
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. There is also a flexible event space towards the Sea Road end and a quieter area for reflective contemplation at the Memorial Gate end.
Preliminary work may begin late this year, but main construction is expected in 2025. Until contractors are appointed, after proposals are agreed too, there is no firm timetable for construction.
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson, with portfolio 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.
