London-based architects appointed to design major makeover for Cleethorpes Market Place

 

Set for a revamp - Cleethorpes Market Place in summer

THE firm of architects that designed the first phase of Media City on the outskirts of Manchester has won the contract to rejuvenate Market Square in Cleethorpes.

London-based Gillespies has a fantastic track record not just in the UK but also overseas, notably in Saudi and the United Arab Emirates.

Its brief in Cleethorpes is to come up with a super-imaginative scheme that also serves to link St Peter's Avenue, via the market place, with the seafront.

Says North East Lincolnshire Council: "We want to re-balance the relationship between traffic and pedestrians, encouraging wider circulation of people through the town by providing a safer, healthier, and more pleasant environment for pedestrians."

Whether that might involve pedestrianisation of Market Square remains to be seen.

The project will be funded out of £18.4-million levelling-up monies earmarked for enhancing Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road.

Gillespies, which was established 60 years ago, will work alongside NELC's project management team and Equans, with the community invited to chip in with ideas of their own.

Once the design has been finalised, the council will hope to appoint a main contractor, possibly by late summer.

Gillespies say  they are "absolutely  delighted" to have been invited to carry out the design.

Says one of its partners, Tom Walker: "It will be a privilege to helping NELC, local businesses and residents rethink and redesign the Market Place at Cleethorpes. 

"This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential. 

"What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort and space, where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus."

This example of Gillespies’ design prowess in in Winchester

Media City at Salford Quays near Manchester