Council backs ambition eco lodges plan

An ambition plan to put eco lodges on Skegness seafront has been backed by East Lindsey District Council.
An artist's impression of an eco lodge planned for a project in Skegness.An artist's impression of an eco lodge planned for a project in Skegness.
An artist's impression of an eco lodge planned for a project in Skegness.

It is one of three projects which ELDC’s Executive Board has agreed to submit to the Connected Coast Towns Fund Board, as part of investment plans that look to secure millions of pounds from Central Government for the Skegness and Mablethorpe areas.

In September last year, it was announced that Mablethorpe and Skegness had been included in the Towns Fund programme, presenting each area with the opportunity to bid for funding to deliver projects that would transform each town.

Since then, the District Council has worked with public and private sector partners to establish the Connected Coast Board.

The disused pitch and putt site where eco lodges would be sited.The disused pitch and putt site where eco lodges would be sited.
The disused pitch and putt site where eco lodges would be sited.

The Board, supported by individual reference groups for each town, are working to develop Town Investment Plans which identify the projects and interventions that can deliver change and level up each town.

The Skegness Eco Chalet Park would be sited on the town’s disused pitch and putt site on South Parade, with a focus on providing low density, high quality chalet accommodation.

The Park would also serve as an exemplar of how flood risk mitigation can be factored in to the development of visitor accommodation, with the potential for the design to be replicated elsewhere on the coast.

Other projects include plans for a revamped Colonnade at Sutton on Sea, complete with café, viewing area and pop-up business/ arts space. Plans for the Station Leisure and Learning Centre in Mablethorpe include a full suite of leisure and fitness facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, and a range of community and learning spaces.

If successful in the Town Investment Plans, they would require £9.5m of Council match funding, with the remainder of the funding coming from the Towns Fund.

Counr Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, said: “It’s pleasing to see these proposals be recommended for inclusion in the Towns Fund bid and I hope the Connected Coast Board are able to support them.

"These are hugely transformational projects that can help deliver lasting change to Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Skegness, and provide a real benefit to our coastal communities.

"The proposals are already well developed and, should they be supported by the Connected Coast Board and we achieve the requested funding through the Towns Fund, they could be progressed quickly.”