REPRESENTING a huge investment in Mablethorpe for residents and visitors alike the works to upgrade and enhance Sea View Car Park as a destination car park for the town and access to the northern foreshore are now completed.
The funding for the project, £360,000 was derived from a partnership of the Regional Development Agency (EMDA), East Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Enterprise and Lincolnshire Coastal Action Zone.
The scheme was designed by East Lindsey District Council as part of its ongoing plan to improve facilities in the popular resort.
The main features of the project are:
- Improved entrance feature and signage with access for emergency vehicles
- Improved security through introduction of CCTV
- Installation of lighting
- Design which deals with the changes of level across the parking areas
- Creation of a safe pedestrian rout across the car park to the café facilities
- Introduction of disabled access toilet facilities at car park level
- The introduction of seating and sea viewing platforms
- Improved access to the northern foreshore via the ‘staircases’
- A marginal planting plan which will enhance the natural dunes.
- Recovery of overgrown areas
- Upgraded pedestrian route into the town through the dunes
- Installation of seating along the length of the dunes footpath into the Town
- A skatepark facility
The project has been developed following two major community consultation exercises by the Coastal Action Zone in 2006 and the more recent Neighbourhood Management consultation that took place in September 2007. The need for investment in the public realm on the coast is well documented and highlighted in the recent Lincolnshire Tourism - Vision for Tourism on the Lincolnshire Coast.
Commenting on the project, the District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coastal Regeneration, Councillor Neil Cooper, said: "Mablethorpe is a wonderful traditional seaside town deserving of investment by the public sector, lets hope that this is the first of a number of projects to enhance the Town for the benefit of residents, business owners and visitors. I am proud to be associated with the project."
Brenda Turnbull, Director, Lincolnshire Coastal Action Zone said: "I am pleased to see so many agencies working together to deliver a much-needed investment in this important access to the Northern Foreshore. Residents of all ages and visitors alike will benefit from the project."
Neville Jackson, Chairman of Lincolnshire Enterprise and emda board member, said: "Once again this is an excellent example of partnership working that makes a real difference. The new facilities will not only benefit residents, but will hopefully attract more tourists to Mablethorpe and so improve the local economy. Projects that support and enhance coastal areas and communities are a key investment area for Lincolnshire Enterprise and we are keen to expand this support to other similar priority areas within Lincolnshire."
