“I went to Pier Gardens with my mum and can’t wait for it to be reopened knowing I helped create something” – Cleethorpes schoolgirls help regeneration plans

The group of 12 from Cleethorpes Academy took part in a design workshop as part of the Pier Gardens Interactive Art Trail. Ultimately, it all feeds in to the larger regeneration projects going on all around Cleethorpes, creating a more welcoming, modern and safe space for residents and visitors.

As part of this, Hemingway Designs have produced plans to install large structures spelling out the resort’s name in different themes linked to Cleethorpes, with each letter being placed around the gardens themselves. It’s hoped they will encourage people to explore and interact with the area whilst visiting Cleethorpes.

Helping design the letter O and the seating around it – which will be situated between the skate area and water play – they studied the Victorian Heritage of the area, incorporating elements to make it feel safer and welcoming for women and girls.

This included making it fully accessible and placing the O in an open space near plants and flowers. To formulate their design, the group created a selection of tiles which exhibited their initial thoughts and ideas.

For many, the chance to be part of something new was a great reason to be involved. Ellie, 14, said: “I think the design workshop was fun and I am looking forward to being part of the design.

“I used to go to Pier Gardens with my mum and I can’t wait for it to be opened knowing I helped create something."

Mal, also 14, added: “It’s been fun working as a team and designing something with my friends.

“I'm excited for Pier Gardens to open now. I didn't go very often before but I am going to go more once it opens – I’ll definitely be taking my mum there to show her the designs we've made."

For their teacher, Mrs. Weatherley, the regeneration works are a real positive for the resort. She said: “I'm really excited about the plans. It will be good for the kids and it give them something to be proud of.

“The art trail will be good for families and it’s great that local people are involved in the design, encouraging ownership. The whole area looks exciting and I can’t wait to see the finished article.”