The final countdown - Lumley Plaza in Skegness prepares for opening

There is a new buzz in the high street in Skegness now the roadmap to coming out of lockdown has been revealed.
The outside of the new Lumley Plaza in Lumley Road is getting a facelift ready for opening on April 12.The outside of the new Lumley Plaza in Lumley Road is getting a facelift ready for opening on April 12.
The outside of the new Lumley Plaza in Lumley Road is getting a facelift ready for opening on April 12.

Behind closed doors at what used to be the town's only department store are traders busily preparing for the opening of the new Lumley Plaza on April 12.

Finishing touches are being made to the 26 boutique style units in the former Beales store that line the ground floor, with their stylish wood paneled frontages and Georgian lighting.

When the Standard first visited the team behind the £400,000 project back in November at the start of the third lockdown, Lumley Road, where the Plaza is situated, had just received the blow high street giants Topshop, Burton, and Miss Selfridge were on the brink of collapse.

Donna Baldwin is bringing  her business, Moonyean, selling hand-sculpted resin vases and bowls  to the Lumley Plaza.Donna Baldwin is bringing  her business, Moonyean, selling hand-sculpted resin vases and bowls  to the Lumley Plaza.
Donna Baldwin is bringing her business, Moonyean, selling hand-sculpted resin vases and bowls to the Lumley Plaza.

This was in addition to the news Ponden Home, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Peacocks and M and Co stores were also to close - and that Argos was also under threat.

However, works have quietly continued over winter and units are now taking shape, with traders already decorating ready to move in and open to the public on April 12.

"The final countdown has begun," said the man behind the vision, Asa Cripsey. "It's exciting that we now have a date to work towards.

"Hopefully, there will be no more interruptions due to the pandemic, which has been tough for businesses.

How the Lumley Plaza looked back in November at the start of the project.How the Lumley Plaza looked back in November at the start of the project.
How the Lumley Plaza looked back in November at the start of the project.

"Our traders have been really positive that the shopping plaza will help bring the high street back to life.

"We only have two units left to fill and are quietly confident they will be assigned by the opening date."

Initially, the plan is for a 'soft' opening of the ground floor and second floor, which will feature a garden centre run by the Cripsey family, a large restaurant area and events space. The first floor is set to open in July and more on this will be released at a later date

Traders will be offering something for all the family at the Plaza, with no unit selling the same items. Dogs are welcome inside the building, too.

Tony and Karen Simpson getting the Gift Box ready for opening.Tony and Karen Simpson getting the Gift Box ready for opening.
Tony and Karen Simpson getting the Gift Box ready for opening.

Among the retail units, of varying sizes, will be a range of quality goods - including clothes and footwear for all the family, mobile phones, cosmetics, confectionary and gifts.

As well as the units on the ground floor there will be nine forecourt pitches outside in front of the building, which is currently getting a facelift and being repainted a smart slate grey.

When the Standard re-visited the Plaza on Wednesday, we met just a few of the traders who said they are excited to finally have a date to work towards.

Donna Baldwin was setting up her business, Moonyean - displaying attractive hand-sculpted resin bowls, vases and gifts.

Units in the Lumley Plaza ready for traders to move in and decorate.Units in the Lumley Plaza ready for traders to move in and decorate.
Units in the Lumley Plaza ready for traders to move in and decorate.

Her business is an example of some of the crafts that will be on sale in the building and was inspired by the days Donna spent watching the children's TV show Blue Peter with her mum and making items out of old washing-up bottles and sticky tape.

"There's definitely an air of excitement about the project," said Donna, who has traded at markets before this. "My customers want to know all about it and can't wait for the opening."

Sunny Singh has three units selling vape kits, toys and phone accessories. Before this he has traded in Lumley Road and also has businesses in Ingoldmells.

"We are really looking forward to opening," he said. "It's been a tough year, but even before the pandemic it wasn't easy making a living when you can only trade in the holiday season.

"This gives us a real chance because we can trade 12 months of the year, which is massive for small traders.

"I've tried the high street before and rents are huge and with rates it's really tough for people.

Traders have already started decorating their units. This one will be a shoe shop.Traders have already started decorating their units. This one will be a shoe shop.
Traders have already started decorating their units. This one will be a shoe shop.

"This is the best opportunity you can have to move forward as restrictions are lifted."

Another couple busy getting their unit were Tony and Karen Simpson. The Gift Box will be selling antique collectiables, retro and modern items and chocolate bouquets.

Karen said: "We took a pop-up unit in town at Christmas and thought we might have a go at something more permanent."

"I think the Plaza is marvelous as it gives everyone a chance to have a crack at it," added Tony. "We are looking forward to the opening."

Anyone interested in taking up one of the two remaining units can message the Lumley Plaza on its Facebook page."

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