Cabinet members overwhelmingly agreed to adopt the Cleethorpes Masterplan following a special Cabinet meeting last night.
Having worked closely with HemingwayDesign and GL Hearn, the plan, which includes a range of concept ideas, is relevant for the next 10 years, and shows how Cleethorpes could change to appeal to people living in the resort, and those visiting with development opportunities and visitor attraction at its heart.
Although the Masterplan covers concept ideas and options for development, the projects aren’t set in stone. This is a framework with identified projects that will help Cleethorpes become more attractive to a wider population, alongside recommendations for infrastructure development to support the projects.
Four character areas that have been identified in the draft Masterplan:
– North Promenade: the vision is for this area to become a vibrant sustainable sea front destination with a progressive unique character, where there are many things to see and do including, independent businesses, health and wellbeing activities, and overnight accommodation in zero-carbon beachfront cabins.
– Central Prom and Pier Gardens: this area is to retain and enhance the Victorian heritage but evolve to meet the needs of a modern-day family, including more family friendly activities.
– Cleethorpes town centre: develop a “loop” from the prom through Market Place to St Peter’s Avenue to Sea View Quarter and Alexandra Road. Make changes to reintroduce a functioning market square that can accommodate amongst other things, food festivals and markets. Make sure that there is a recognisable ring of opportunity around the retail “loop” which effectively creates a town centre “promenade” to support the town centre traders.
– South Beach: this area is a natural jewel, but it offers light touch development opportunities, such as renewed beach huts, improved access and pathways, and low-impact activities that can offer health and well-being activities to a wider range of people.
Welcoming the decision, Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, expressed his ‘excitement’ at being able to put the Masterplan before the Cabinet, stressing that it provided a ‘framework’ for Cleethorpes’ future with giving inspiration and plans to take forward. He added how the high numbers of people who took part in two lots of consultation proved the interest that many people had in the resort and its future.
“This is a really good Masterplan that sets out the direction of travel for Cleethorpes with some key projects. Wayne and his team brought their experience to us with a lot of ideas from other parts of the country that have worked very well. That is part of the reason why everyone has been so positive about it, the plan includes practical proposals that will help us to take the resort forward and convert it into the staycation resort we want, bringing investment, jobs and wealth into the area. The next stage is to make sure we deliver on the plan,” he said.
Wayne Hemingway of HemingwayDesign said: “On behalf of the design team, I would like, in true Oscars style, to thank everyone for helping to get the Cleethorpes Vision and Masterplan to this stage so quickly. From the thousands of residents, the business community and visitors who played a pivotal role in coming up with ideas, to the elected members to the North East Lincolnshire Council team, this really has been a collective effort. The ideas are sensible, clear and deliverable and that is what we believe should put Cleethorpes in a decent position to attract funding.”
Article from NELC.
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