Cleethorpes Pier Gardens is set for a major redevelopment
It's part of a group of projects along with work on Market Place and Sea Road
Last updated 3rd Mar 2024
People in Cleethorpes are being asked to play their part in shaping the new look of the town centre.
Pier Gardens, Market Place and Sea Road will be redeveloped to draw in visitors and improve pedestrian access. They are three Levelling up Funded projects in the town.
North East Lincolnshire Council say they'll shape their plans around the feedback they get online.
Pier Gardens is a 14,000 square metre garden area in the heart of Cleethorpes
Anson Forrester is the designer behind project - he says there's plenty of benefits to come from it:
"We're going to encourage active travel; walking, playing, we've got ideas for outdoor gyms. As well as ideas for movement for all age groups and all abilities.
"Plus it's got economic benefits because of the increased footfall in town, we can increase visitors as well.
In the Masterplan, developed with local people and approved by the Council in 2022, local residents and businesses wanted to see the gardens changed and refreshed, to include new activities for children to do, a space for quiet contemplation, but also as a better space for hosting markets and other entertainment. This concept was included in the Masterplan, and subsequently received Government funding to progress.
Last year, the Council tendered for landscape designers to take the concept plans to the next stage, and the contract has been awarded to WSP, who have, as part of their team, Hemingway Design, who worked on the Masterplan.
Anson Forrester, from WSP, said:
“We can’t wait to get going on this project. It’s a fabulous resort and can only be enhanced by the work in the gardens.
"We’ll be looking for input from local people in to take the works from concept to final design – please do take part, ultimately, these are your public gardens, and like the council, we want to see these used.
"The design of the gardens will be key to that – creating spaces that people want to spend time in.”
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said:
“Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration. Opened in 1885, Pier Gardens’ location is at the heart of the resort and the scope for re-development is vast. The area for regeneration presents a unique opportunity to create a space that will become an attraction for residents and visitors alike.
"The linear park raised above Central Promenade is a hidden and an underutilised gem of a public green space that could offer so much more.”
WSP has recently completed projects in Swansea, Lowestoft and Blackburn, and has a track record of working with coastal communities delivering projects that change how people feel about spaces in their towns.
The final design for the gardens will be based on feedback, as well as budgetary considerations, and is planned to be developed over the first half of this year, with construction starting in the autumn / winter of 2024.