Council awarded nearly £2m to regenerate and enhance Cleethorpes town centre

Nearly £2 million in lottery funding has been awarded to enhance the historic character of Cleethorpes town centre.

The £1.9 million in funding handed over to North East Lincolnshire Council by the Heritage Lottery Fund will largely be available as grants to allow owners of buildings to repair and reinstate original features.

North East Lincolnshire Council is also supporting the five-year ‘Discover Cleethorpes Heritage’ Townscape Heritage Programme will £1 million of its own money.

The programme will focus on conserving and enhancing historic buildings and improving the public realm on Alexandra Road and Sea View Street to build on the town’s character.

Property owners / tenants within the Townscape Heritage area will be eligible to apply for the grant funding to enhance features like balconies, shop fronts windows and doors.

The programme will also offer local people opportunities to learn new skills and become better informed about the historic environment through a series of heritage themed events and skills classes.

Grants of up to 80% of the total costs of building works will be available from early 2018. Owners or tenants of eligible properties will be required to provide the rest of the funding to secure a grant.

Councillor Ray Oxby, leader of the council, said: “This funding not only presents a unique opportunity to reinforce the image of Cleethorpes as an attractive seaside resort and through this total regeneration programme, local businesses and jobs will be sustained.”

Councillor Matthew Patrick, portfolio holder for tourism, said: “Both of these streets are deeply rooted in the town’s history, and wonderfully fit the seaside feel of Cleethorpes.

“With some of the buildings along these streets being at risk, and many of the original architectural features having been lost over time, this funding will provide a much-needed boost, enabling the area’s heritage to endure.”

David Renwick, Head of HLF Yorkshire & the Humber, added: “The Townscape Heritage programme is about investing in the places we call home – our high streets and town centres.

“North East Lincolnshire is one of our priority development areas for funding, and we are delighted that National Lottery players can help breathe new life into Cleethorpes, and help to preserve the distinctive architecture of the seafront.”