Cleethorpes - Resident - North East Lincolnshire Council

Cleethorpes
Renaissance Charter
The Town Team
We, the undersigned, subscribe to the principles laid out in this Charter
The Town Team
Consultant Team
At September 2009
John Thompson & Partners
Genecon
Peter & Sue Barnes, Karen Barratt,
Graeme Bassett, Teresa Bassett,
Sarah Bottomley, Ian Brockleback,
Lawrence Brown, Matthew Brown,
Keith Brookes, Peter Burgess,
Mick Burnett, Hilda Burns,
Robert Callison, Soo Chalk, Hazel Chase,
Jane Clark, Edna Coulbeck, Dick Crump,
Colin Eastwell, Alan Fairfield, John Fenty,
Robert Ferguson, Darren Green,
Harry Hall, Karen Hartley, Jo Hodson
Carol & David Hughes, A Johnson,
Vincent Kelly, Lisa King, Susan Lawson
Pauline Lee, Gordon Loncaster
Geoff Lowis, Pete Massey, Jennie Maurier,
James McArdle, Jim McArdle,
Diane Middleton, Eddie Middleton,
Dennis Moore, Jill Moore, Brian Oldham,
Robert Palmer, Jacqui Palmer,
Leanor Pidgen, Ann Reavey,
Dianne Roberts, Norman Rook,
Chris Shaw, Katherine Sinderson,
Ann Smith, Chris Stanforth, Owen Taylor,
Margaret Thurgood, Terry Thurgood,
James Trowsdale, Barry & June Waby,
Geoff Wagstaff, Chris Warren,
Mark Webb, Karen Webb-meek,
Margaret Pinchbeck.
John Thompson
Joanna Allen
Charles Campion
Debbie Radcliffe
Marcus Adams
Fred London
Wendy Attard
Sophie Hart
Sean McGarr
Mark Reynolds
Ben Pretty
Local Space
Bob Young
Eddie Bridgeman
Gillespies
Tom Walker
Kate Dundas
CBRE
David Codling
North East Lincolnshire Council
Michèle Cusack
Lisa King
Sam Evers
Jodie Hartley
Yorkshire Forward
Rob Tranmer
James Trowsdale
Gemma Firth
WYG
Sue Ansbro
Alex Robinson
Geoff Bowman
Acknowledgements
Yorkshire Forward, North East Lincolnshire Council and John Thompson &
Partners would like to thank everyone who participated in the Cleethorpes
Renaissance Community Planning Process, the staff at the Memorial Hall and St.
Peter’s Church and all those who offered their time and expertise to give the
consultant team a better understanding of the town.
All quotes are from those who took part in the Cleethorpes community
planning process.
1
The Renaissance Charter for Cleethorpes
Cultivating quality: making Cleethorpes a great place to live, work and visit
Cha
participation - partnership - quality - wealth creation
enterprising young people - social cohesion
sustainability - natural environment - health & wellbeing
improved image and reputation
rter
Mission Statement
Cleethorpes will be a year-round
visitor destination with a revitalised
town centre and seafront. Residents
as well as tourists will benefit from
the town having a better image,
more variety, increased prosperity
and an improved quality of life.
“This is a great opportunity for Cleethorpes
to shape its own future.”
“Everyone should work together.”
“We’ve a great town here - great potential so let’s make something happen!”
4
The Cleethorpes Town Charter
We the people of Cleethorpes...
Civic leaders, representatives of business, voluntary and community sectors declare our
joint commitment to develop a new vision for our town.
We will work together, in partnership, to make the most of our heritage and environment to ensure that
We
We
We
We
We
We
Cleethorpes is an attractive and appealing place to live, work and visit. We will insist on quality in any
new proposal for the town. We will work with the designers, planners, developers and investors to
ensure a coordinated approach and outcomes that will enhance the town’s prosperity and image.
will value all sectors of the local economy and seek to balance future investment to broaden the
business base, establish a year round visitor economy and build sustainable, economic strength through
wealth creation. We want to raise standards, salaries and business yields through training and
development and offer the community, in particular our enterprising young people, a wider range of
opportunities.
are keen to develop convenient and sustainable modes of movement around our town. We will
work towards creating comfortable surroundings where people can meet to enjoy each other’s company.
We want to make this a place where residents and visitors can take pleasure in the open spaces, views
and natural environment by encouraging good and safe access for all.
will respect our natural environment and use it for the benefit of the visitor economy and to promote
the town as an attractive place to live, work and visit. We will strive to influence national bodies to
recognise and sustain its importance. We need to consider the effect of our activities on the world we
leave to future generations.
will work to change the image of our town through improving its appearance and encouraging a diverse
range of retail, food and creative industries. We will strive to sustain a vibrant art and cultural offer by
listening to the aspirations of our community and visitors and supporting those who work within this
sector now.
want to see a healthy town, with access for all to lively activities, good housing and excellent
healthcare, thereby ensuring a good quality of life for everyone. We will develop and maintain the
recreational facilities in our town for the benefit of residents and visitors. We will use our influence to
ensure quality in the standard of our schools, services, products, retail and hospitality industries.
will strive to deliver the best in whatever sphere we are working and to create a strong community to
match the highest expectations. We will listen to others and in return expect others to listen to us. The
involvement of the people of Cleethorpes in deciding and creating our future is imperative.
5
Preface
Yorkshire Forward’s Renaissance Towns Programme
Yorkshire Forward is the regional
development agency for Yorkshire and the
Humber. In 2001 the Renaissance Towns
Programme was launched to ensure that
the region’s towns and cities are places
where people want to work, live and invest
in. Since then Yorkshire Forward has been
working with local councils and other
stakeholders to improve the region’s
physical, natural and spatial environments.
Cleethorpes - the town
Cleethorpes originated from isolated settlements
(‘thorpes’) near to the historic fishing town of Grimsby.
Following the arrival of the railway in the 19th century,
Cleethorpes developed as a seaside resort with a
landmark pier and many other attractions typical of
the area.
The town grew in popularity as a place to live, offering
affordable suburban homes and an attractive quality
of life. The natural environment provided a stunning
backdrop to the town, providing for recreational and
educational pursuits.
In 2009 the focus turned to Cleethorpes. This
Renaissance Charter is a result of a visioning process,
which asked local people from all sectors of the
community, including businesses and members of
the local authority, to identify their aspirations for the
town and to work together to develop a viable way to
achieve them.
Today, Cleethorpes has a multiple identity – it is a
seaside town, a tourist town, a market town, a working
town, a learning town and a residential town. It is a
place and a destination in its own right but it is also
part of the wider Cleethorpes/Grimsby conurbation
and is inextricably linked with Grimsby economically
and culturally.
Renaissance involves community engagement,
place-making and the need to encourage investment
for economic stability and future growth. A mixture of
inspiration, enthusiasm and realism is key to its
success, backed up by strategic property advice and
a desire to maximise opportunities that exist already.
Like many British seaside towns, Cleethorpes now has
an outdated image, suffering since its post war heyday
as people have chosen to holiday abroad. The
seasonal surge of prosperity ceased as the numbers
of visitors waned.
The Renaissance process will help define the town’s
identity as a place that can happily be many things to
many people. By protecting and exploiting its assets,
by supporting social and entrepreneurial success, by
providing amenities that will encourage young people
to stay, the people of Cleethorpes and the surrounding
area will enter a new era of confidence and prosperity.
“Cleethorpes is many things to
many people - we should make the
most of our multiple identity!”
6
fish and chips on Cleethorpes beach, is no longer a
regular ritual undertaken by the majority of local
residents.
It has also been hit by the demise of the fishing
industry in Grimsby in the early 1970s. As businesses
closed and jobs were lost, people could no longer
afford to move to ‘a better house’ in Cleethorpes.
There was also less money to spend on entertainment
supplied by the neighbouring seaside resort.
Economic decline has a knock-on effect on the built
environment. Properties cease to be properly
maintained, few new buildings are constructed, plots
stay vacant and there is a gradual decline in quality.
This decay is particularly evident around Cleethorpes
railway station and in parts of the town centre which in
the past would have been a focus for tourists keen to
sample the traditional seaside fare of food and fun.
Changing shopping habits have resulted in a loss of
high street vitality. Many people now prefer to
purchase goods by catalogue or via the internet. A
weekly shop at an out of town supermarket means
less business for independent food retailers. A
Saturday outing to the shops, perhaps combined with
Despite this, Cleethorpes continues to attract people
from many worlds: kite-surfers, environmentalists and
those who simply want to enjoy looking at the sea and
the award-winning flower displays. The town provides
a range of hotel accommodation for contract workers
at Immingham and families who want a day or a week
at the beach. Young people can enjoy fun fair rides,
go biking on trails or develop their acting skills. Adults
can enjoy lunchtime concerts at St Peter’s Church
and young adults can party the night away in bars and
nightclubs.
Cleethorpes has two main strengths: its location and
its people. The time is now for Cleethorpes to shake
off its jaded image and realise its potential. In the
years to come it will be known as an attractive seaside
town and resort, providing interest and opportunity for
residents, visitors and investors alike.
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Cleethorpes Community Planning Weekend
The Process
on 5 and 6 June. The public event included
workshops and hands-on planning sessions that
helped identify local concerns and ideas for the town’s
regeneration. School children offered their views and
suggestions in a variety of prepared presentations,
which included a video, photographic exhibition and
poems written for the occasion. To date over 400
people have been involved in the Cleethorpes
Renaissance process.
At the core of the Renaissance Towns
Programme is the involvement of local
people, councils and other key
stakeholders in helping to create a longterm vision for their town.
In March 2009 Yorkshire Forward appointed a
consultant team, led by John Thompson & Partners,
to work with North East Lincolnshire Council and the
local community to develop a visionary Charter and
Strategic Development Framework for Cleethorpes.
Following the public sessions, the JTP team worked
for three days to turn the ideas from the weekend into
an illustrated Vision for Cleethorpes. This was reported
back to the community at a meeting held at St Peter’s
Church on Tuesday 9 June.
The project was launched at the Town Hall in May and
a wide cross-section of people were contacted prior
to the community planning weekend, which was held
STAGE ONE
LAUNCH
START
UP
STAGE TWO
ANIMATION
MEETINGS
STAGE THREE
CPW
STAGE FOUR
TOWN TEAM
STAGE FIVE
CHARTER
SCHOOLS
ARTS +
CULTURE
NEIGHBOURHOOD
GROUPS
RECREATION
+ LEISURE
COUNCILLORS
COMMUNITY
PLANNING
WEEKEND
TOWN
TEAM
BUSINESS
LOCAL
GROUPS
MANAGEMENT
REPORT
BACK
NEIGHBOURHOODS
BUSINESS
LEADERS
8
CHARTER
STAGE SIX
SDF
LAUNCH
SDF
LAUNCH
Cleethorpes Renaissance Town Team
A key aspiration from the Community Planning
Weekend was to create a Cleethorpes Renaissance
Town Team to improve communication, generate a
spirit of cooperation and provide a stronger and more
unified voice for Cleethorpes’ community.
The first Town Team meeting was held on Wednesday
8 July at Cleethorpes Town Hall. A series of themed
Action Groups were formed. The Town Team will
continue to meet regularly to discuss and develop
renaissance projects and steer the way forward.
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The Vision
The Vision
Living and working in a seaside town, where visitors are valued and
the quality of life is high
Tourism is an important economic driver
that will continue to be expanded in
Cleethorpes but a greater diversity of
employment will attract more people to live
and work in the town and its hinterland,
thereby encouraging increased growth and
prosperity, and less dependency on
seasonal success.
As the town becomes less rigidly associated with ‘the
seaside economy’, it will attract alternative investment,
funding that in turn will help develop enterprises to
make the town a more exciting and dynamic place to
live. The mix of people and activities will grow and
individual projects will be given the necessary support
to succeed.
The town’s built heritage and its natural environment will
be respected and enhanced. The beauty of the sea will
be reflected in the beauty of the buildings. Cleethorpes
will be known as a place where quality is paramount. It
will be a place where more people of all ages and
incomes will chose to live, attracted by the variety of its
recreational and cultural facilities and by its enterprising
and socially inclusive community. Businesses that have
traditionally catered for the tourist industry will diversify
and prosper.
Like a diamond that has become dull over time,
Cleethorpes requires re-polishing and re-valuing. The
town’s many facets will be improved and promoted.
People will have increased pride in their residential town
by the sea. They will look to the future with confidence
and say: “This is a unique place to live as well as visit.”
For the Vision to become reality 6 Key
Objectives have been identified:
»
Objective 1 - The Golden Loop Connecting the “tourist” and
“residential” town
Reconnecting the town with a golden carpet of
high quality public realm and polishing the jewels
that are found along its route
»
Objective 2 - Unlocking Cleethorpes’
Development Potential
Unlocking sites that are vacant, derelict or
underused and are blighting areas of the town
»
Objective 3 - Tourism and
Economic Vitality
Expanding the town’s tourist offer and looking to
new growth sectors to create a greater variety of
employment opportunities in the town
»
Objective 4 - Getting Around
Connecting up the many miles of the town,
celebrating arrival and controlling congestion
»
Objective 5 - Arts, Culture
and Recreation
Celebrating, supporting and providing creative
and leisure activities in the town
»
Objective 6 - Inclusivity and delivery
Creating a Town Team to be part of the delivery
of Cleethorpes’ Renaissance
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6
5
4
3
2
1
7
Key
“Encourage people to believe
that Cleethorpes really is the
place to be!”
“We’ve got to move away from a
seasonal economy - keep the
students here - and make sure
that businesses coming to the
area find a skilled workforce.”
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Transformational
Projects
1.
Mixed-use Venue
2. High Street /
Market Street /
Alexandra Road site
3. The Market Place
4. Central Promenade
5. Town Hall / The Knoll
6. Sea View Street
7.
North Promenade
Key
Transformational
Projects
7
1.
Mixed-use Venue
2. High Street /
Market Street /
Alexandra Road site
3. The Market Place
4. Central Promenade
5. Town Hall / The Knoll
6. Sea View Street
7.
1
2
3
4
5
6
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North Promenade
Masterplan
3
2
6
4
5
1
Key
Key
Landscape and
Public Realm
Movement
1.
Integrated transport
Golden loop
Pedestrian links
2. Beach regeneration
Transport interchange
3. Regenerated steps and riverfront
landscape project
4. Sussex Recreation Ground
5. Promenade green
6. Boulevard
7.
Gateways
8. Intersections
9. Beach huts
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Objective 1
The Golden Loop - connecting the ‘tourist’ and ‘residential’ town
People tend to view Cleethorpes in
contrasting ways - either as a tourist
town or as a residential town. This has
resulted in a sense of fragmentation,
with the ‘heart’ of the town becoming
disconnected from the rest of the
urban environment, and a lack of clarity
for those who leave the beach and
want to head to ‘the centre’.
The renaissance vision will focus attention
on ‘the Golden Loop’, a sequence of streets that
will provide historic relevance, aesthetic
coherence and definition of purpose.
Improvement of the public realm will benefit
everyone, be they visitors or residents. The
provision of new social, recreational and cultural
facilities will do likewise. The aim is an enhanced
quality of life, with everyone working together
towards a common goal.
Streets and spaces
The principal streets that make up the
Golden Loop have a mix of town centre
activities as well as a variety of residential
accommodation.
St Peter’s Avenue takes on the role of ‘high street’
with shops, supermarkets, a church with community
hall and a primary school. There are shops, bars,
restaurants and a regular market on Market Street.
Alexandra Road has a variety of shops, cafés,
restaurants, small hotels and some public buildings - a
Baptist Church, Library and Tourist Information Centre
– as well as many businesses catering specifically for
tourists and day-trippers. Alexandra Road overlooks
the sea and runs parallel to Pier Gardens, an area of
grass with floral displays that adds significantly to
Cleethorpes’ In Bloom success. Sea View Street is
home to small individual ‘niche’ retail outlets, cafes,
pubs and an estate agent. Historic ambience and
charm has contributed to this street’s success but it
is physically detached from the rest of the town.
Cleethorpes’ main civic building, the Town Hall, is
located on a street that runs at an oblique angle
between Sea View Street and St Peter’s Avenue.
Cambridge Street and the Town Hall will become part
of the Golden Loop so that people are encouraged to
walk from one part of the town to the next, discovering
shops and amenities along the way, and providing an
opportunity for increased spend within the town as
well as in the more traditional seaside facilities. This
economic driver will ensure that Cleethorpes moves
from a seasonal to an all year-round destination.
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Key
No
The Golden Loop
(high quality upgrade
and pedestrian focus)
r th
Pr
om
Key squares and
spaces creation
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Reinvigorated
green space
Shared surface
High
St
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St
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M
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Pr
om
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Ca m b r
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A key element of the Renaissance vision is
to ensure that the public realm is upgraded
throughout the Golden Loop to reflect the
aspirations of quality and add to
Cleethorpes’ reputation as a first class
residential resort.
Key
Quality Public Realm
tio
ns
Objective 1
The concept of an identified ‘route’ will
»
»
»
High quality public realm
Good signage
A series of anchors and attractions
around the Golden Loop
reinforce the centre of the town by leading people to it
and around it. The ‘loop’ will also encourage the
creation of new public spaces that will be part of a
coherent urban plan, one that is developed through
design rather than by accident. In particular, there is
an opportunity to create a new cultural focus within an
existing heritage building such as the Town Hall and/or
The Knoll.
»
Good visual connections and
way finders
»
»
»
»
»
The beach and associated seaside activity is likely to
remain a major attraction for visitors. However, there is
a lack of variety of indoor provision during bad
weather. Improving the indoor offer to include a new
Museum and/or Art Gallery and associated function
rooms would provide alternative destinations for both
visitors and residents. Enhanced cultural facilities
would also encourage people to move to the town and
persuade others to stay.
High quality buildings and spaces
Restored façades
Pedestrian priority
Quality shops, restaurants and cafes
Filling in the gaps
“It’s a kind of loop - a journey
to somewhere else.”
The poor state of the public realm and many town
centre buildings undermines the quality of new In
Bloom planting. The demolition of the Winter Gardens
has created a sense of loss and there is a desire to
ensure the retention and maintenance of Cleethorpes’
remaining heritage buildings. By focusing regeneration
initiatives on the streets and spaces that make up the
Golden Loop, there will be immediate benefits to the
businesses that fall within the catchment area –
particularly in terms of increased footfall. An
insistence on quality will induce a real sense of civic
pride in the town.
“How do we get the town
associated with the word
‘beautiful’? Better quality and
keeping the good bits would
be a start.”
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19
tio
ns
Objective 1
Key
To re-energise the town centre is an
immediate priority. It is crucial to focus
on the Market Place to ensure this
becomes a real focal point for both
visitors and residents.
Ac
The Market Place
In recent years the area has become rundown and
dominated by cars. The Wednesday market is small
and poorly used with a limited variety of products on
sale. Surrounding the market is a mixture of eateries,
pubs and betting shops. People visit but do not stay
for long. Lingering, on the other hand, brings
economic as well as social benefits: a second cup of
coffee, a purchase made on whim, a friendly
conversation. These are less likely to take place if the
surrounding environment is unattractive and dull.
Markets are a universal draw and the
opportunity to provide quality public realm in this
important part of Cleethorpes would alert investors to
the development possibilities within the heart of the
town. Heritage is another attractor but many historic
premises have been allowed to deteriorate. Others are
of relatively low quality and some large shop fronts are
boarded up. For the market place to be the real heart
of Cleethorpes, it needs a pedestrian focus with
limited access to cars. The market itself would need to
sell a wider variety of goods, on more days of the
week. If the public realm receives a makeover, with
good quality lighting, street furniture and signage,
local businesses will be inspired to ‘raise their game’.
Visitors and residents will find themselves drawn to the
centre of the town; shops and cafés will supply their
needs and the economic wellbeing of the town will
be enhanced.
»
A pedestrian focus with limited
access to cars
»
A proper market selling a wider
variety of goods on more days of
the week
»
Improved quality of the surrounding
buildings
»
Improved quality of the uses in
the buildings
»
»
High quality public realm
»
Reinvestment in void properties
Good quality lighting, street furniture
and signage
“There’s not enough here for
people to do - let’s put some
culture in the market place.”
“More restaurants in the market
square - that’s a good idea - I can
nearly taste the moussaka!”
20
The Market Place - a future?
21
Objective 1
The Station Area
Major pedestrian routes
The area around the station has long
been seen as one of the most run down in
the town.
Visitors arriving by train have a poor first impression of
Cleethorpes as they are greeted by the side of the
large and unsightly Fantasy World amusement centre.
Access to the station is from a dark alleyway lined with
derelict buildings, a rundown station building and a
large car park. The route into the town from the station
to the sea is therefore confusing and unwelcoming.
Key
New
pedestrian routes
Cleethorpes owes its historic development
to the railway and although the majority of tourists
Refurbished station & square
now arrive by car, this important area of the town is
still a key gateway to Cleethorpes. This area is one
that at present is predominantly for visitors to the town
rather than local residents. However, a new
transformational project in this location would be a
resource for locals and visitors, regenerating the sea
front and acting as a new gateway to the town.
Key
Refurbished
station
New public
square and
building(s)
(continued on page 26)
Views out to sea
22
ns
tio
Ac
Key
»
A refurbished station and new station
square
»
Good routes to the sea and into the
town lined with buildings appropriate
to their location
»
A key transformational project for the
town
»
An all year round attraction for visitors
to the town
»
A landmark gateway building or series
of buildings
»
»
»
»
»
Event and conference space
A gallery
A space for small businesses
An indoor public space
A fun place with amusements and
family activities
23
»
Replacement of ramps leading from
train station to promenade to allow
easier access for wheelchair users
»
A place for residents AND visitors
“The station is a bit like the
front door of Cleethorpes.”
Get the clock working - it’s a
nice feature, and I hate it
when I don’t know the time!”
“The station could be really
nice because it’s in the right
place - what about a lick of
paint? Or some brightly
painted hoardings?”
24
View from the pier towards the station
25
Objective 1
The Station Area (continued from page 22)
Bus interchange & road train
As a key proposal, the creation of a new mixed-use
centre adjacent to the station would significantly
increase the economic standing of Cleethorpes and
initiate a shift away from over-reliance on the daytripper’s pound. The town has excellent rail
connections and with the proposal to run a direct
service to London, Cleethorpes would benefit from
creating conference and events facilities in such an
important location, with views over the river Humber
and easy access to the town centre.
Key
Cycle parking
Bus circulation
Road train stop
Cleethorpes has lost many of its event and
performance spaces over recent years, in particular
the old Winter Gardens at the end of Kingsway, the
Royal Theatre and the Empire.
To focus regeneration initiatives on the station and its
environs would satisfy local aspirations. This could
incorporate business space, a gallery, event and
conference amenities and be a place under cover to
sit and look out over the beach. Traditional seaside
amusements could still be accommodated on the
seafront, beside the pier.
New spaces created
Key
Pedestrianised
promenade,
tourist uses at
promenade level
The refurbishment of the station building and creation
of a new square would provide a visible signal to
investors that Cleethorpes is moving forward.
Although a large transformational project cannot be
delivered overnight, its inclusion in the vision
emphasizes the fact that the town is heading towards
a future that is less focused on seasonal activities.
26
New frontage to Station Street
Key
New frontage
ge
Revitalised
green area
Option for cluster of buildings
Key
New buildings
27
28
Looking from the station
down the North Prom
29
Central Promenade
Key
Ac
tio
ns
Objective 1
Cleethorpes will benefit in the longer-term
from a decision to reinvent itself as a year
round resort, but in the meantime efforts
must be made to improve the current
tourist offer.
The Central Promenade has been an
important tourist destination since the early
1900s. With beautifully landscaped embankments,
the distinctive folly of Ross Castle and a variety of
kiosks selling food and souvenirs, it was historically
the place to be seen on sunny weekends and
holidays. From the promenade there were, at
regular intervals, steps down to the golden sand.
Today the Central Promenade has lost much of its
charm as it is blighted by large amounts of space
given to car parking.
The Renaissance process has identified various ‘quick
win’ projects that would help change negative
perceptions about the seafront. These in turn would
attract more people to visit the town and support the
businesses that exist to cater for the tourist trade. The
erection of beach huts and wind-breaks would provide
visitors with a more enjoyable ‘beach holiday’
experience. The provision of toilets and changing
facilities that are accessible to all are a must if
Cleethorpes is to retain credibility as a modern
seaside destination.
»
»
»
Beach huts
»
»
Kiosks
»
High quality public realm,
street furniture
»
»
»
Priority for the road train
»
»
»
Accessible routes to the beach
Wind breaks
Accessible toilets and
changing rooms
Pedestrian priority or a car free
promenade
Stops for the road train
Cycle routes and cycle hire /
drop off
Covered seating areas
Sheltered seating areas
“Quality is so often
impaired by the car - it
would be a lot easier to
walk around if the prom
was pedestrianised.”
30
31
Objective 1
Sea View Street
»
Sea View Street is one of the most
important historic streets, and one of the
most successful in Cleethorpes.
Pedestrian priority along Sea View
Street
»
New high quality public realm as part
of the Golden Loop
Lined with small boutiques and cafés, it
»
A new car free piazza on Alexandra
Road at the end of Sea View Street
»
Good signage on the street and
around the town promoting
the street
»
Initiate a policy on shop shutters to
improve the appearance of the street
at night
»
»
A light net over the street
attracts visitors and locals all year round, although at
night its character diminishes due to the unattractive
range of shutters that are brought down as the
businesses close. Sea View Street Traders
Association has been working hard to maximize the
potential of their street and their enthusiasm needs to
be encouraged and supported.
Being located some distance from the rest of the town
centre, Sea View Street would benefit from the
delivery of new quality public realm linking it physically
with the rest of the Golden Loop. Some element of
public art such as a ‘light net’ would draw attention to
its uniqueness and make it a destination in its own
right, as well as simply a place to shop.
A group project to encourage
refurbishment of properties
“The external shutters kill the look
of the place. There should be a
directive making us all have
internal ones.”
A longer term project would be to create a new car
free piazza on Alexandra Road at the end of Sea View
Street, thereby extending the ambiance of the street
and making it more visible to visitors strolling along the
promenade. Sea View Street currently caters for both
tourists and residents. It is a positive example for the
rest of the town, proving that Cleethorpes can be both
a seaside destination and a fully-functioning residential
urban environment.
32
33
Town Hall and The Knoll
Key
Ac
tio
ns
Objective 1
The Town Hall, built at the turn of the 20th
century, is symbolically the civic heart of
Cleethorpes.
It is a visually impressive but under-used
asset. Part of the Town Hall could fulfill the
community’s desire for an art gallery and/or museum
space. In the long term it has the potential to become
a more vibrant building through the introduction of
lively day and perhaps evening uses.
»
Buildings or a sculpture garden on the
Town Hall’s car park site
»
Opening up all or part of the building(s) as a
museum / art gallery / venue
»
Narrowing the road and creating a public
space to the front of the Town Hall
»
Creating new small business space
”Making places better is good for
business! What about turning the
Town Hall into a museum?”
The Town Hall could also provide a home for high
quality small business space, focused around
offices, perhaps with the provision of business
support services.
“There are many layers of heritage
in this town - they need to be
celebrated!”
The Knoll, former home of Sir George Moody, fish
merchant and Charter Mayor (d. 1939) would be
another suitable heritage building for use as a public
amenity, and potential linkages with the Town Hall
could be investigated. The Knoll occupies a
prominent position on Alexandra Road, is on the
Golden Loop and its re-use would reinforce
Cleethorpes as a place which incorporated a variety of
attractions for both residents and visitors. As with all
the Renaissance proposals, high quality refurbishment
is essential.
34
35
Market Street and High Street
tio
Ac
Key
Unlocking Cleethorpes’
development potential
ns
Objective 2
There are vacant sites in prominent
locations in Cleethorpes. The future uses
of these should be addressed as soon as
possible.
Constructive dialogue between
landowners, the local authority and other
interested parties is a key element of positive
forward planning. It is important that the vision for
Cleethorpes includes landmark buildings that are
suitable in terms of design as well as use. The Town
Team should be fully committed to the principle of
appropriately scaled development in key locations.
»
Ensure the site contains appropriate
and complementary uses
»
Ensure that buildings front onto the
surrounding streets
»
Ensure building(s) respect the scale
and massing of the surrounding
urban form
»
Ensure development respects its
historic setting adjacent to the
Dolphin Hotel
“There are lots of good
ideas but they need putting
together - and some
drivers.”
Several important sites lie within or are closely
associated with the route of the Golden Loop. In
particular, there is a large vacant site behind and
adjacent to the old Dolphin Hotel, which has been a
local landmark since 1820. In recent years part of
the site has been cleared and is being used for
parking, the rest has shops that have been vacated
for demolition.
36
37
Objective 2
The importance of the pivotal site near the Dolphin
Hotel cannot be over-estimated, both from an
aesthetic point of view and as a way to attract future
investment into Cleethorpes. The site faces on to
Market Street and High Street, the latter being a main
entrance to the town. It is important that any new
building in this location has active frontages and
vibrancy at street level. It must also respond to the
scale and massing of the surrounding urban form and
respect its historic setting.
Confidence can be contagious. A new building on this
key site would certainly send out a clear signal that
change is on the way.
The momentum of the Renaissance process should
act as a driver, to urge on investment in key sites. The
Town Team should take on the role of ‘guardians of
quality’, to guarantee that new development reflects
the aspirations of the town in terms of design and use.
“We can’t call ourselves
a proper town unless we’re
user-friendly for everyone,
including developers.”
38
Development opportunities
The North Promenade
This narrow stretch of land between the
river and the railway has great potential as
a new mixed use neighbourhood for
Cleethorpes. The risk of flooding and poor
access means that little investment has
been made in the North Prom for a number
of years.
Unlocking the potential of this area is a longterm aim of the Renaissance of the town. Possible
projects include the development of apartments and
business units over mixed uses and tourist attractions
at ground level. Businesses and residents would
benefit from the attractive waterside location with
views across the river. There is also a key opportunity
to link the town with Grimsby by improving pedestrian
and cycle connections.
Key
Long term development opportunities for
mixed uses
Landmark architecture
The natural environment in this area should be
enhanced and celebrated. In particular, the
beach should be cleaned and rusting debris removed
as soon as possible. This would enable the ‘Sea
Steps’ to become an attraction in their own right.
“People take the air and walk their
dogs on the beach but it gets a
whole lot worse when you go
north - the beach there needs a
proper clean up.”
“North Prom has just one tin
building after another - let’s flatten
it and start again!”
Key
Primary landmark building / corner / tower / frontage
Secondary landmarks / important frontages
39
Key
Ac
tio
ns
Pedestrian route
Key
Enhanced pedestrian route
Key attractions / events
Key
Key attraction at ‘steps’
New beach huts
40
»
Improve access by creating a northern
connection - pedestrian/cycle
»
Apartments and business units over
mixed uses/tourist attractions at
ground level
»
Small business units for local
entrepreneurs
»
Improve the quality and character of
the area’s strong architectural
character
»
»
Water trail and road train access
»
»
New beach facilities, eg beach huts
»
Events / fireworks / shows /
performances / concerts
Improved / cleaner beach with better
access to it
Destination / attraction at the ‘sea
steps’ to encourage tourists to use this
area of the beach
41
Objective 3
Tourism and economic vitality
Expand tourism and increase
economic vitality through diversified
employment. There is a perceived conflict
between those who want traditional
seaside tourism and those who want to
promote the wider offer, including
environmental and activity tourism.
The town’s multiple identity should be seen as
an asset, enabling those that work within different
sectors (be it media, design, retail, tourism, events
or accommodation) to benefit from each other’s
talents and ensure economic vibrancy for the town
as a whole. Higher aspirations should be encouraged
and supported.
Cleethorpes is located in a unique
geographical position and has miles of beaches.
As projects are progressed, this in turn will encourage
inward investment and an incentive for the creation of
new start-up businesses. The renaissance process
will help provide a clear direction for Cleethorpes,
which could be emphasised by creating a specific
renaissance ‘brand’ for the town.
There is room to invest in the traditional seaside
pursuits and amenities whilst diversifying the tourist
offer to attract a wider range of visitors. The important
thing is for all those concerned with Cleethorpes’
future to work together for the benefit of the town,
rather than wasting energy and resources in
unnecessary and ultimately self-defeating rivalry.
There are many associated elements of tourism that
are common to bird-watchers and riders of the Big
Dipper. Hotel accommodation in particular must be
improved, with a focus on the need to provide for
larger parties, ie coach-loads of tourists. Increasing
and broadening the tourism offer will help to make
Cleethorpes a ’12 month town’. Focus and coordination is needed in terms of event management to
deter booking ‘collisions.’
Cleethorpes is home to many businesses: – some
more visible than others, and many not connected
with tourism. For the town to increase its prosperity
and provide more employment opportunities, it is
crucial that the business community work together
and take advantage of the momentum of the
renaissance programme.
42
ns
tio
Ac
Key
»
»
Agree a mechanism by which all
sectors of the business community
can contribute by creating a clear
Cleethorpes Renaissance brand
Explore opportunities for
Cleethorpes to support the larger
manufacturing and process
industries in the sub-region
»
Develop 12 month economy through
enhancing quality accommodation
and increasing hospitality skills
»
Provide conference space and an
events programme
»
Raise standards of shop fronts
through a grant programme for
property re-use and refurbishment
»
Address perceived shortage of
hotels, especially those large
enough to bring in coaches of
tourists all year round
43
»
Undertake skills and training
review - could lead to need for greater
provision of local training facility
»
Provide an education and training
centre, endorsed by industry, to
encourage youngsters to stay
»
Review business accommodation and
business support mechanisms to
identify any gaps such as affordable
business space, eg incubator units.
“There are lots of little
businesses tucked away
somewhere - they need
more exposure.”
“Do we make the most of
the natural things we have
here? What about bird
tourism?”
Objective 4
Getting Around
Although the centre of Cleethorpes is
relatively compact, the built-up area
stretches many miles along the coast and
getting around easily is an issue, especially
in the summer months when thousands of
tourists – mostly day trippers – head for
the seaside.
Traffic has to be managed in a sensitive way
to meet the different needs of commuters, visitors
and residents.
It must also be robust enough to support a potential
increase in economic diversity. More jobs will mean
more people. More public events will bring more
people to the town. The road management system
must be able to cope with an additional influx of traffic,
by re-routing vehicles and/or having flexible signage.
Entrance points provide opportunities to welcome
people and to inform them they are entering a place
where people live, work and play. For the town to
function as a residential town, a working town and a
tourist town, the quality of the experience should be
as good for those with cars as those without.
44
ns
tio
Ac
Key
»
Provide a new bus interchange at
the railway station
»
Visible information and directions
around the town and at gateways
»
Improve signage between trains
and buses
»
»
Create clear gateways to the town
»
Unbroken disabled routes from car
parks/train/bus to rest of town
»
»
Improve routes up and down the
seafront – from train to road train,
to light railway and to dedicated
cycle routes
Review parking in town and explore
viability of Park and Ride
»
In the long term, further extend the
light railway
»
Comprehensive road signage into/out
of town
»
Directions to adequate car parking
45
New gateway and boulevard on
Grimsby Road
“Don’t let traffic become an
obstacle to prevent things
happening - let’s just try to
plan things better.”
Objective 5
Arts, Culture and Recreation
There are many local people involved in
cultural projects. As artistic activity cannot
be confined to narrow geographical
boundaries, there is an aspiration for
greater year-round arts provision for the
whole district. This would include Grimsby
and the rural hinterland where artists and
performers also live and work.
Although recreation and leisure pursuits are not
confined to young people, this is something that they
enjoy and support. Existing amenities should receive
ongoing investment. New amenities should be
provided, especially under cover, to enable year round
and bad weather use. The commitment and
enthusiasm of the young people that are involved in
many of these activities needs to be supported, to
ensure the long term vitality of the town.
The local Arts Forum lobbies for the local arts
community, organises an annual festival and provides
practical assistance to individuals. The Civic Society
seeks to celebrate, preserve and encourage the
heritage, environment and culture of the area.
There are many people that are involved in
the arts in Cleethorpes, either professionally or
at an amateur level. There are local theatre groups,
choirs and orchestras, actors’ training, design studios
and architecture offices. However, there is a lack of
suitable space for these groups to rehearse, perform,
meet and exhibit work. There are also several
important local heritage collections without a home
(photographs, costumes and paintings). In recent
years Cleethorpes has suffered the loss of a number
of theatres and performance spaces. Entertainment
now takes place in venues in holiday centres rather
than on the sea front. There is a lack of rainy day and
evening entertainment in the town for both residents
and visitors.
46
ns
tio
Ac
Key
»
Revive, support and expand local
festivals
»
Make more use of existing facilities
eg showground, arena
»
Facilitate communication between
existing groups
»
»
Set up bike hire unit
Create an education programme
based on protected status of area
(SSSI, Ramsar, SPD/SAC)
»
More cultural exchanges with
twin towns
»
Provide venues for events, concerts
and shows
»
Promote Cleethorpes as a centre for
kite and wind surfing
»
Create new museum, gallery or focus
for the arts. The Knoll, which is
currently used by the Council as
offices for Building Control, is ideal.
»
»
Create sheltered garden at the library
and / or Town Hall
Create an Urban Entertainment
Venue, a large indoor and outdoor
facility which will cater for a variety of
recreational and leisure activities,
including an indoor skate park
»
Better (and more imaginative)
promotion of ‘What’s On’ and ‘Where
to Go’ in the area; also an annual
calendar of events
»
Encourage use and expansion of
NELC’s Cultural Quarter newspaper;
also a better ‘Shrink Map’
»
Provide town ‘Ambassadors’ to offer
information on the street
47
“There are some real
aspirations here in
Cleethorpes, and a lot of
talent - it just needs to be
better promoted.”
Objective 6
Inclusivity and delivery
For Cleethorpes Renaissance to flourish,
the community must be actively involved in
decisions that affect the town’s future.
Local people must be enabled to fully
participate in the delivery of Cleethorpes
Renaissance through the Town Team as a
key partner with North East Lincolnshire
Council and Yorkshire Forward. Authority
and credibility must be given to the
Renaissance Charter as a Statement of
Intent for the town. Projects must be
identified that engage local people and can
be delivered early in the programme, whilst
longer term projects are in development
There are many community groups in
Cleethorpes whose members work hard to improve
the quality of life for residents who live in their areas.
Although it is likely that the physical regeneration of
Cleethorpes will focus on the central area of the town,
it is important that the efforts of neighbourhood
groups are recognised and supported and that a
‘Renaissance Ripple’ can be created that supports
initiatives throughout the whole of Cleethorpes.
The establishment of the Town Team is crucial for
bringing everyone together. It is important to work
with existing structures and funding sources to enable
some renaissance-inspired projects to commence
without delay. To make the most of any available
resources, it is crucial for North East Lincolnshire
Council to agree priorities so that funding can be
drawn down from future budgets.
Other funding opportunities have been applied for
such as CABE’s Sea Change programme. This was
set up to support cultural projects, which can radically
enhance the regeneration of historic seaside resorts.
A number of projects have been identified to date.
Working with the Town Team, the consultants will
progress and develop a selection of these projects
during the coming months. They must be viable as
well as inspirational. The Strategic Development
Framework, currently under development, will show
how they can be delivered.
“A lot of people are really
fond of Cleethorpes. There
are a lot of volunteers and a
lot of people who are really
keen - and happy - to give
their time.”
Strategies need to be developed to ensure easy
access to facilities and activities for all Cleethorpes’
residents and particularly the young, who are so
important to the future prosperity of the town. Young
people’s opinions must be taken seriously and
investments made in their future wellbeing within the
town. There is a need for local youth groups to work
together to ensure ‘joined up thinking’ and the
coordinated development of appropriate facilities.
48
ns
tio
Ac
Key
»
Establish the Town Team with
Action Groups
»
Establish a renaissance shop
in Cleethorpes
»
»
»
»
Appoint a renaissance manager
»
Retain and enhance wildlife
area from North Prom towards
Grimsby – important for birds,
plants and ecology
“We don’t want to kill
what Cleethorpes is - but
we want some choice,
some alternatives.”
Identify quick win projects
Start work on longer term projects
Regenerate Sussex Recreation
Ground as a major community
amenity
49
“Stop thinking ‘small
potatoes’ - let’s work
together to make
something happen!”
it must b
Cleeth
be...
horpes
Photo / image credits
Cover image: © John Thompson & Partners • p.7: newspaper image © Cleethorpes Chronicle • p.8: diagram © John Thompson &
Partners • p.9: all photos © John Thompson & Partners • p.10-11: all images © John Thompson & Partners • p.14-15: all diagrams ©
John Thompson & Partners • p.17: diagram base © Crown Copyright - This product includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey
with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesy’s Stationery Office. © Crown copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Licence number
100020759 • p.19: all images © John Thompson & Partners • p.21: © John Thompson & Partners • p.22: all diagrams © John Thompson
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(from left to right, top to bottom): 1. lady cyclist © Daniel Sparing, 2. © John Thompson & Partners 3. empty De La Warr pavillion ©
Hapticflapjack, 4. young people on pier © Jaygooby, 5. people on bench © Jay Woodworth, 6. Quadrocycle © Beach Cruised, 7. Malmo ©
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Fair © Dave MCMT, 3. Chicago Symphony Orchestra © Jordan Fischer, 4. gallery © Rpongsaj, 5. © John Thompson & Partners • p.49: ©
John Thompson & Partners • p.50-51: © John Thompson & Partners • p.53: aerial © John Thompson & Partners
52
A Cleethorpes Future
Long stretches of golden sand,
Clean to touch and it has no harm to hand,
Modern white buildings with modern art,
Which makes you tingle at the heart,
Much less litter,
People just less bitter,
Eating ice cream from the stand,
Newly made, clean and fresh,
Youth clubs here now,
Keeping youth off the street,
Having a place just to meet,
Much less crime reduces the heat,
I love this town,
Please respect it for it’s my home.
Jessica McClellan
Lindsey School