The controversial White Palm on Cleethorpes seafront will add vibrancy and value to the North Prom.
It is part of a five-strand project for the area, Councillor John Fenty, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Regeneration, Skills and Housing told this evening’s full meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council, held virtually.
His comments on the project were in response to a question asked by a member of the public, Mr Paul Arundel, which read: “Is it right for the Council to spend money on the sculpture of a palm tree that has no relevance to Cleethorpes, when the money could be better spent on the disabled facilities for residents and visitors to Cleethorpes?”
Councillor Fenty thanked Mr Arundel for the question. “Firstly, I would like to say that public art can often be very controversial,’ he said. “My guess is that roughly 60% think it is a good idea, 20% are there to be convinced, and 20% would say ‘over my dead body’.
“It might interest you to know, that this is one part of a five-strand project to be installed on the North Prom, all intended to help drive additional footfall and support businesses.
“The strands are as follows:
- Shutter Art – This, I believe, is the longest contemporary walking art in Europe and is now completed.
- Programable Dancing illuminations looped around the lampposts stretching along most of the North Prom. They will be installed no later than February 2021.
- Funky Fitness Furniture, which can be used to just sit on and take in the breath-taking views or for fitness and will be installed by the end of 2020.
- Relay running markers at 100-metre intervals, through to an 800-metre half-mile marker. These are due to be installed by the end of November 2020.
- Planning approval for the White Palm, has now been granted. The sculpture is out to tender and is taller than the Angel of the North.
“It is a fact that the Angel, when first proposed, met strong resistance from locals but now is much loved and has become an iconic symbol of the North.
“This clutch of projects will be there to attract tourism, but it is also for local people who might want to take advantage of free parking after hours, see the sights, and or, to help them with their fitness programme. Who knows, we may one day see a strong man competition come to Cleethorpes, alongside a range of other events along the North Prom.
“All of these projects have been funded through the Coastal Communities Fund programme. They are also a product of significant public engagement, which was led by CoastNEL. This is a private sector led group of interested organisations. The council is the accountable body and responsible for the project delivery.
“The Coastal Communities Fund was granted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and local Government for very specific purposes including public realm works, business support and the public art programme. It is not direct council cash and could not be used on disabled facilities.
“It is felt that together with the wider Cleethorpes programme, these projects will add vibrancy and value to North Prom.”
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