ELDC's Action Plan for regeneration aims to strengthen local economy

Led by East Lindsey District Council, with delivery partners including Lincolnshire County Council, the Environment Agency and the private sector, the Economic Action Plan identifies major projects and activities already underway, those to commence shortly, and those where feasibility studies will be undertaken.

Working towards the shared objectives of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, this is the first time a single Action Plan has been developed that captures the work that is underway and on the horizon across all public sector organisations and large private developers, both inland and on the coast.

The Action Plan identifies a range of projects including coastal flood risk management measures, a new business park for Skegness, and the assessment of exemplar coastal holiday accommodation that is flood resilient which could be occupied all year round. Many caravan parks along the coast are currently restricted to March to October as their period of occupancy due to coastal flood risk which is at its greatest risk during the winter months. The Council hopes that those sites eligible may consider the exemplar as a model for their own operation.

Inland projects include feasibility studies focused on expanding the Fairfield Industrial Estate in Louth to make available more business development land and re-opening Louth Navigation as a waterway. Work has already started on the development of a Destination Plan for the Lincolnshire Wolds, which includes the creation of a visual marketing brand and website, in partnership with the business community.

The visitor economy is worth around £584m to East Lindsey each year, with over 4,270,000 visitors enjoying breaks in the area. The sector employers over 8,000 people.

East Lindsey District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, Councillor Steve Kirk, said: “Economic development is a key priority for East Lindsey District Council and working with our partners we want to be a driving force in attracting further investment that creates jobs and broadens the employment sectors, whilst also lengthening the visitor season.

“Some of the projects identified in the Action Plan are clearly very aspirational, such as the creation of a Marina in Skegness, but we are ambitious for the district and it will offer some exciting opportunities for investment and development in the coming years.”

East Lindsey District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Rural Economy, Councillor Adam Grist, said: “I am fully supportive of the Council’s drive to boost economic growth throughout the District by linking up our lead partner’s resources, investment opportunities and aspirations through this single vision.

“It is important to recognise that our coastal and inland economies are not mutually exclusive. In looking at various ways we can continue to improve our facilities, infrastructure and attractions across the district, we will be at the forefront of delivering a range of local benefits, in terms of raising business and investor confidence and encouraging people to spend more time and money across our coastal resorts and market towns”