First phase of Cleethorpes regeneration to start in September

Senior councillors in North East Lincolnshire approved the first phase of a £7.2 million regeneration scheme for Cleethorpes.

Members of the authority’s cabinet gave the green light to the proposals which will see work begin on the final layout of public realm works on High Street and Alexandra Road in the town.

The council will now open up a tendering process to procure contractors to take on the works for the scheme.

It comes after the authority revealed the plans to carry out a range of improvements to the street scene in Cleethorpes back in March.

Now, following approval of phase one, work is expected to start in September 2018.

Improvements expected to be carried out include:

• Replacement of existing kerbs and footway paving
• Replacement of kerbing with grey granite kerbs
• Material palette to be sensitive to conservation area
• Introduction of additional pedestrian crossing points
• Existing carriageway surface to be replaced
• Upgrades to existing taxi ranks and bus stops
• Replacement of existing street lighting
• Replacement of existing street furniture

Councillor Peter Wheatley, cabinet member for regeneration, housing and skills, welcomed the plans for the town.

He said: “I would like to see this scheme get on.

“It’s a start of the way in which we want to see Cleethorpes look like in the future.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Matthew Patrick, cabinet member for environment, said that the proposals would be a “win win” for the town as it would bring in more business rates and create jobs.

Council leader Councillor Ray Oxby said that the authority had worked hard to secure funding for the project.

“It’s not done by magic, it takes a lot of effort,” he said.

“This has come through with us bringing clear plans and a can do attitude.”

The council secured £3.3 million from the Coastal Communities Fund to regenerate the promenade, town centre streets and introducing public art.

A further £500,000 has been secured to create a cycle hub at the town’s train station.

Meanwhile, £1.9 million has been awarded to the project by the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1 million will be spent by the council on a cultural heritage  programme.