We don't want to see the 'McDonaldisation' of seafront, says Cleethorpes councillor

                                                 

Could it become fast food restaurant or pub? Artist's impression of the proposed building

AMBER lights are flashing on who might occupy the proposed replacement building for the former Waves pub opposite Cleethorpes pier.

The original intention was for the ground floor to accommodate an expansive tourist information centre and state-of-the-art conveniences including WCs, shower rooms and changing facilities.

But, there has been a re-think by cash-strapped North East Lincolnshire Council which now wants the building to generate as much rent as possible from a commercial operator, possibly a deep-pocketed food or drinks chain.

This has sparked worries about small traders in this part of Cleethorpes that it could lead to McDonalds taking control of the greater part of the building and 'hoovering' up custom.

At today's meeting of the council's tourism and visitor scrutiny panel meeting, a letter of concern - thought to be from Darracotte's coffee shop and ice cream parlour - sparked sympathetic comment from councillors.

"We certainly don't want to see the McDonaldisation of Cleethorpes seafront," declared ward councillor Cllr Malcolm Morland who went on to note that some West Country seaside resorts had sought to safeguard local independent cafes and restaurants by barring a well-known coffee chain from opening up premises.

Similar misgivings were sounded by Cllr Bill Parkinson who warned that, if the council were to invite in a large-scale operator, it would be seen as a form of "aggressive competition" that would be "to the detriment of existing traders" and reflect unfavourably on the authority's reputation.

"It could end up morphing into a large pub," he predicted.

Cllr Henry Hudson welcomed any input from local businesses, especially those in touch daily with the challenges of the market place.

But he was less concerned than his two colleagues, noting that the arrival of Papa's on Cleethorpes pier had not led to the closure of other fish and chip shops - it may even have brought in additional trade.  

NELC's inward investment and growth manager Damien Jaines-White confirmed that there had been expressions of interest from various parties, but, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, he was not able to reveal their identities.

Of the concerns, he said: "These sorts of developments invariably prompt different views." 

The council has not yet secured a contractor for the building but hopes it can be fully occupied and up and running by summer 2025.