August 22, 2019 3.40 pm This story is over 55 months old

Palm tree taller than Angel of the North will tower over Cleethorpes

Council bosses hope it will bring in more visitors
A white palm tree, created by artist Wolfgang Weileder, looks set to tower over Cleethorpes as part of regeneration plans.

A 72ft (22m) tall palm tree, which is taller than the Angel of the North, looks set to tower over Cleethorpes’ seafront as part of the town’s regeneration plans.

Under proposals by North East Lincolnshire Council, the white artificial tree sculpture created by artist Wolfgang Weileder would sit on the North Promenade.

The 22 metre tall tree, which would be illuminated by spotlights, would serve as a “warning for the future” on climate change.

Further proposals would see illuminations, custom street furniture and shutters of shops painted by artists.

Street furniture would also be included in the Cleethorpes regeneration plans.

The £600,000 scheme would start next spring, if approved by the authority.

Included in the plants are shutter art on shop fronts in Cleethorpes.

Councillor John Fenty, cabinet member for regeneration at the council, said that the public art would be a “talking point” and that he hoped it would bring in more visitors.

“The four new public art projects will be centred around Cleethorpes’ stunning seascape and miles of golden sands, encouraging activity and events, relaxation and contemplation all in equal measure,” he said.

Illuminations would be put up on the North Promenade as part of the proposals in Cleethorpes.

“Public art can be marmite – love it or hate it, it’s a talking point.”

The project forms part of the £7 million Cleethorpes regeneration scheme, which was backed by senior councillors in March 2018.

Funding was secured from the Coastal Communities Fund to regenerate the promenade, town centre streets and introducing public art.

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