THE first step towards a total transformation of Cleethorpes’ Waves site will start later this month as work takes places on Sea Road to facilitate the building’s demolition.
As part of the wider public realm improvements and in order to provide the necessary room for safe demolition, the central island is to be removed with the carriageway rearranged and temporary pedestrian access installed. This work will start on Monday January 27 and is expected to take three weeks, during which time the carriageway will be reduced to one lane temporarily with buses operating as normal and pedestrian access maintained.
As reported, the Waves building, and the public toilets next door, are being demolished to make way for a new development to enhance what is a key visitor area in the resort.
New plans have already been on public display, which revealed a modern structure to house a mixture of public facilities and commercial operations. As final preparations are made, demolition will start in the spring with hoardings around the site. During the works alternative arrangements for public toilets will be in place. A planning application for the new building is imminent.
This individual project has an allocation of £1m from the Humber LEP’s Local Growth Fund programme, which has been secured through its Growth Deals with Government and is part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing consultation, discussions are taking place regarding the proposed highway layout in Sea Road. This includes discussions with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the most appropriate solution is implemented.
The works are part of an overarching plan to revitalise the resort through improvements to public spaces, new buildings, public art and preservation of important heritage assets. The programme of work is supported by central government’s Coastal Communities Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, (HLEP) and is being carried out by ENGIE, the regeneration partner of North East Lincolnshire Council.
Commenting on the latest works Council regeneration lead, Cllr John Fenty, stressed the importance of re-creating Cleethorpes as a resort that is protecting its unique heritage whilst continually transforming.
“The whole of North East Lincolnshire will benefit from Cleethorpes’ regeneration with a growth in visitors leading to increased revenues, which can then be used for more projects across the borough. We must continue to look at how we can attract support and funding to assist in our rejuvenation of Cleethorpes and the whole of our area from a business, industry and tourism perspective.”