Cleethorpes: Architect Gillespies hired to revamp the market place

An architect has been appointed to redesign part of Cleethorpes

An architect appointed to help transform Cleethorpes says the town has "enormous potential".

In January 2023, the resort was awarded £18.4m from the government's levelling-up fund to carry out three elements of the town's masterplan.

Gillespies will design a revamp of the market place, it has been announced.

Other elements of the plan include the regeneration of Pier Gardens and a new building on Sea Road.

The work on the market place could involve "a new pedestrianised/event space" with the Cleethorpes masterplan calling for its pedestrianisation, and to make space for outdoor dining.

Currently the square is mostly used as a car park. This was a source of frustration for residents who contributed to the masterplan.

According to North East Lincolnshire Council Gillespies, which was established 60 years ago and has an office in Leeds, is committed to designing "intelligently with nature" while "reflecting local character and history".

'Joy, richness and fun'

North East Lincolnshire Council's delivery partner Equans and its project management team will work with Gillespies to come up with suitable designs.

Local businesses and the wider community will be consulted, with a main contractor expected to be appointed in the summer.

Tom Walker, a partner at Gillespies, said: "This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential. What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort... where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus.

"It's important work, but not too serious. There are some excellent businesses around the area that will significantly benefit from the redesign, which could also transform the lives of local people and the visitor experience."

According to the council's draft budget for 2024-25, £8.4m will be spent on the Pier Gardens development.

The Sea Road building, which will include new public amenities, a changing facility and commercial letting space, is allocated £7.8m. It also had £1.2m allocated to it in the current financial year.

Meanwhile, the market place project has £4.4m allocated to it for the next financial year.

Council leader Philip Jackson added: "North East Lincolnshire Council has an ambitious vision for the growth and regeneration of the resort, diversifying Cleethorpes' offer and extending the season, to support the local economy and local people."