Monthly Archive 22 February 2025

The Government-funded Pier Gardens project in Cleethorpes has reached another milestone today, with the release of the tender for the works to the market.

Since the outline designs were approved last year, work has been ongoing in the background to take that design and refine it for release to the market.

The latest designs show an array of different zones in the Gardens – from a small park for the skate community at the northern end, through water and woodland play zones in the middle to a quieter, more serene and contemplative area towards the Armed Forces Remembrance gardens.

Input from local people have helped to shape the designs and some of the features in the gardens – from the inclusion of public art throughout the scheme to practical things like public footwashes and bicycle repair stations!

The local skate community were also involved in developing the skate area alongside international specialists, Betong Park, with all sorts of different elements included in the design.

A tender has been released to the market today looking for construction companies who are interested in the redevelopment of the Gardens.

There are two lots of work – one to do the overall Pier Gardens renovation, including the landscaping and planting, as well as creating the different zones across the site; the second lot is specifically to create the skate area at the northern end of the site. Separate tenders will be released for the play structures and public art at a future stage following the application for necessary planning permissions.

As part of the tender, detailed planting plans have been included for the gardens that bring in planting suitable for marine environments as well as new trees to envelop the site.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This really feels like it’s moving on apace now. We know that the work is likely to take about a year or so to transform the gardens, so we’re working with events organisers already who use the gardens through the summer – we can’t do this project without disrupting one summer season.

“The centre of Cleethorpes will look very different in the next few years, with the projects, funded by Government, being delivered alongside the work being done to restore heritage balconies, key buildings like the Mermaid and the Dolphin and work being done by partners in other areas of the town.

“I can’t wait to see it all start to come together.”

The tender is available on www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk- external site , and search for “Cleethorpes Pier Gardens”, or YorTender (yortender.eu-supply.com) reference 96246.

Article and image from NELC.

Members of North East Lincolnshire Council have supported the authority’s Budget, Finance and Business Plan for the financial year starting on April 1, 2025.

A key detail recommended and approved at last night’s Council meeting was a core Council Tax increase of 1.98% and the application of a 2% Adult Social Care precept.

The overall proposed plan reflects the aims and objects set out in the new Council Plan, which will come into effect from April 1. This puts a ‘Stronger Economy’, ‘Stronger Communities’ and ‘Greener Futures’ at the heart of the authority’s vision.

Priorities to achieving this vision are outlined and include:

• The continued transformation of Children’s Services. The plan details how current work is having a ‘positive impact on outcomes for our children and young people, as well as supporting financial sustainability’.
• Again, with a focus on transformation, attention will be put on Adult Social Care where innovative solutions will be explored. This will help to meet an increase in demand and complexity of care.
• Continuing with a ‘commercial approach’ to grow a strong and sustainable economy. It details how major investments, such as the redevelopment of Freshney Place, are progressing and will support the borough at a time of economic challenge.
• A pledge to ensure the capital programme is reviewed regularly to ensure schemes remain viable. This approach, adds the report, will help ensure plans remain ‘affordable, sustainable and prudent’.

An additional recommendation to the proposed budget was approved as part of the process, the result of a recommendation from a recent scrutiny committee, which allocates an additional £150,000 a year for two years to the public health budget to help tackle key health priorities.

During the meeting, “Operation Clean and Green” was put forward as an amendment to the budget, which was supported unanimously. This project will pilot a community initiative for one year to target a range of initiatives, including enhancing street cleaning and the bulky waste collection service.

The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, says: “Here in North East Lincolnshire we are entering 2025 with much change in the years ahead as we remain committed to improving our towns, supporting business growth and offering our people more opportunities to live independent, healthier and better lives.”

Cllr Jackson emphasised the importance of this change, adding: “Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place. This includes the new Horizon Youth Zone, the Alexandra Dock housing scheme and the E-Factor Business Hub – as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports.

“Cleethorpes too, will have its own transformation with our grant-funded projects in Pier Gardens, Market Place and Sea Road taking shape. When complete they will add to our already successful resort – a true jewel in the crown of the East Coast,” added Cllr Jackson.

The Budget confirms how other influences have had a bearing on its content – including the creation of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, (GLCCA), further investment in the Humber Freeport, net zero ambitions and environmental responsibilities.

Article from NELC.