Artist impressions revealed as landmark Sea Road building progresses

A look at the new landmark building set to be created in the heart of Cleethorpes has been revealed.

A three-storey building will be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the Promenade, comprising of state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality. 

A planning application was approved in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic. Now, as works draw closer, minor amends to the existing planning application have been submitted.

The building is now proposed to include a pergola on the first floor to enable outdoor seating area, and additional information has been included in the application about the configuration of the doors and windows, and also about the materials proposed to be used on the building.

Earlier this year, preparatory works were done on the site, pending the development of the site. And in the coming months, more information will be released about the site, and those of the neighbouring Pier Gardens and Market Place as those developments move forward.

The three Cleethorpes projects, made possible by £18.4m of Government Levelling Up Funding (LUF) awarded to North East Lincolnshire Council, will see the transformation of Cleethorpes seafront.

The vision is to regenerate three key areas of the resort:

• Redevelop the Sea Road site opposite the Pier to provide a tourism destination. It will include state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality. 
• Rejuvenate the historic Market Place for social interaction, reconnecting our busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs and boosting the economy. This scheme proposes major improvements to the square and the reintroduction of a functioning historic marketplace. 
• Regenerate Pier Gardens (an existing linear park stretching from Sea Road to the Memorial Gate), retaining the Victorian heritage and feel, but incorporating various new activities. In the Masterplan consultation, people wanted to see more made of the gardens, with additional seating, planting to increase biodiversity, and improved areas for children’s play, events and performances, and spaces for reflection and contemplation.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration. The Sea Road building will help to develop the council’s ambition of a year-round visitor economy and its appeal as a distinctive landmark will draw visitors seeking a place to meet and socialise. It will form an important part of the town’s strategy to unlock private sector investment, creating a safe and flexible multifunctional space, that serves both residents and visitors and be an important social and cultural destination, which local people can be proud of.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, added: “Cleethorpes is already a thriving resort and these key projects will help to diversify the offer and extend the season, something we all want for the town, both to support the local economy and local people.

“This well-designed iconic building will allow us the opportunity to expand the promenade offering by redeveloping a prominent site in the heart of the resort and encourage even more people into the area. It will bring significant regeneration benefits, representing a substantial investment into the town, with the ability to create a number of new employment opportunities.”

Local engagement will continue over the coming months as each project progresses.