UK's ‘capital of romance' set for £18.4m waterfront revamp – including regenerating pier & new landmark tourist building
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A SEASIDE resort named the UK's capital of romance is set to undergone a major revamp.
Work will see refurbishment of the town's pier as well as the local park.
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Cleethorpes is set to undergo a significant regeneration project, including upgrades to the town's historic pier
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Cleethorpes was previously described as a 'rundown' seaside resort but is now set for a major revamp
Credit: Alamy
Cleethorpes, which has an estimated population of around 30,000, was previously described as a "rundown" destination before being dubbed the ideal place for a romantic getaway.
Dating back centuries, this town first developed as a fishing hub before the popularisation of sea-swimming in the 1820s, when Cleethorpes was established as a tourist resort.
The introduction of the town's railway in 1863 solidified it as a Victorian seaside destination.
And now the town has undergone a massive initiative to revitalise its seafront and town centre.
This is hoped to enhance Cleethorpes' appeal as a year-round destination.
The £18.4 million project focuses on three primary areas: the Market Place, Pier Gardens, and Sea Road.
It has been funded by a grant from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund.
Revitalisation of the Market Place, which currently doubles as a car park, will see it transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space.
There will be areas for outdoor dining, markets, and events with the redesign aiming to reconnect the town centre with the seafront.
Meanwhile Pier Gardens, a 14,000 square metre Victorian linear park, is set to undergo a series of improvements.
Inside little-known seaside spot right next to the country's most iconic sites
Plans include the creation of outdoor leisure spaces, as well as areas for quiet reflection and facilities for various recreational activities.
As well as increasing biodiversity, the project aims to make the park more attractive to families and visitors.
Finally, a new three-storey "multi-use tourism-focused landmark" building is planned for Sea Road, just opposite Cleethorpes Pier.
This development will provide retail and hospitality spaces, as well as public amenities and a changing facility for beach-goers.
The design seeks to revive Cleethorpes' Art Deco seaside style, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp
By Nicole Cherruault
A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind".
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News.
The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.'
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.'
While construction work on the Market Place is anticipated to commence in the coming months, the Pier Gardens project is expected to start next year.
Next to the historic pier, which first opened in 1873, four miles of golden sands stretch out, forming the town's main beach.
Visitor can enjoy a dip in the sea as well as a variety of water-based activities, which are also on offer at the town's boating lake.
Families may also be interested in the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which offers fun for all the family from just £3.99.
And for rainier days, the town's Parkway Cinema also proves to be a popular attraction.
If you're planning a staycation in the area, there area a wide variety of accommodation options available, starting from just £53 per night.
And there are also a number of restaurants and gastro-pubs in the area for dining out.
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