Skegness Tower Gardens 'reinvigorated' after £500k redevelopment

The first stage of work to "reinvigorate" the historic Tower Gardens in Skegness has been completed. The initial £590k redevelopment was marked with a ribbon-cutting event earlier this month.

The redevelopment took place without closing the park to the public at any time. Developers GF Tomlinson say works will ensure that Tower Gardens "continues to provide a valuable and accessible central space for Skegness residents to enjoy, bringing people together for community events and outdoor activities".

The first stage of the Tower Gardens masterplan formed part of the Towns Fund Grant Scheme and includes a specialised sensory area, a re-routed footpath and re-levelled land.

Get the latest breaking news and top stories from Lincolnshire in our daily newsletter

Other works included the refurbishment of the pond and its perimeter railings as well as the reinstatement of the pond pump. Adrian Grocock, managing director at GF Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to be working alongside our long-term client, Skegness Town Council, once again to bring the first phase of the vision for the Tower Gardens landscape renovations to life, reinvigorating a historical central landmark so that residents can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

“The scheme fully complements our earlier project on the Tower Gardens Pavilion. The team and all suppliers have worked exceptionally well together to overcome operational and design challenges in a fully collaborative environment, delivering enhancement works that will benefit the town for many years to come.”

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The Tower Gardens in Skegness is an excellent example of how utilising green spaces can enrich communities, bringing together local residents who enjoy the outdoor and natural environments. We are immensely proud to be working in close partnership with GF Tomlinson on such a positive project which is providing a place residents can be proud of, whilst leaving a lasting historical legacy.”

Steve Larner, town clerk of Skegness Town Council, said: “It is wonderful to see everyone enjoying Tower Gardens now that the first phase of works are complete. This scheme has delivered improvements around the bandstand and central area of Tower Gardens.

"The pond has been restored to its former glory and the sensory play has been a big hit. We have received many positive comments from both residents and visitors alike. A big 'thank you' goes out to everyone involved in the first phase of this project.”

Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “The conservation and enhancement of this Grade II registered park and garden helps reestablish Tower Gardens as one of Skegness’s primary green spaces.

“Influence is proud to have sensitively conserved and restored the park’s main features and introduced new elements of design that enable all the community to have a sense of pride and ownership. The work reinforces the park as a quality destination in its own right as well as a pleasant onward approach and gateway to the Grand Parade and seafront.

“The physical improvements create a safe and accessible park for all, with the central features of the cascade and pond creating a vibrance and energy that had been lost, right at its heart. The gardens now have a sense of their original charm and enable people to hark back to an era when pleasure gardens were places for socialising and enjoyment.”