The Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens have provided enjoyment for families living and visiting our coastline for generations. That’s why I was delighted to visit and see the plans that will breathe new life into the sites, securing their future for many years to come.
The event I attended was held to showcase plans to members of the public and mark the granting of detailed planning consent for the new Colonnade & Pleasure Gardens development. Members of the community and representatives of the Connected Coast Board, as well as East Lindsay District Council officers and councillors had also been invited along.
Government transformational investment through the Town’s Fund will be used to provide brand new facilities that will enhance our cultural offer. This will be further boosted by funding from the Arts Council which will be used for exhibitions once the new facilities are open for visitors.
The final plans for the Colonnade include a café and restaurant, a Changing Places toilet and a first-floor viewing platform and exhibition space within the main pavilion, as well as two new craft studios beneath seasonal overnight lodges.
The rejuvenation of the Pleasure Gardens also creates new sensory play facilities, additional seating, and space for pop-up events and markets. There are also plans for more space for planting and community gardens, a new dunes landscape and additional walkways. The popular paddling pool, anchor water feature, and tennis courts are set to remain available for public enjoyment.
£4.2million of the funding for this project is coming from the £23.9 million government investment allocated for Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea as part of the Town’s Fund. This transformational funding is being used on local projects that are designed to boost our local economy, provide opportunities for residents and increase tourism.
East Lindsay District Council have said initial works to prepare the site are due to get underway soon, with an aim for the new development to be completed and operational by the end of May 2024.
I would like to thank our local councillors, Cllr Adrian Benjamin and Cllr Helen Matthews, and everyone who has worked over many months to spearhead the project!
You can read more about the project here: https://loom.ly/zVzKPdE
