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| Pleasure Island - this part of the site could make way for a Lidl supermarket |
A JUICY carrot has been dangled before North East Lincolnshire Council as it ponders the future of Pleasure Island.
Agents for the consortium backing redevelopment of the former theme park say its regeneration could generate "an estimated £570,000 in business rates per annum" for the coffers of the local authority.
The claim is made in an economic impact assessment which has just been submitted to support proposed clearance of the site to make way for two hotels, a discount Lidl supermarket, additional other shops and restaurants, a garden centre, 'fun' buildings and no fewer than 272 holiday lodges.
The figure of £570,00 is based on current arrangements which allow local authorities to retain 50 per cent of business rates which, in the case of a redeveloped Pleasure Island, would amount to about £1.1-million.
The agents, Lichfields, have also totted up how many jobs stand to be created if the various components of ambitious scheme all comes together.
Its report continues: "It is estimated that the development proposals would generate in the order of 305 full-time equivalent jobs.
"Further employment will be generated in relation to the management and maintenance operations associated with the development of up to 272 units of holiday accommodation.
"While the precise quantum of employment to be supported by this part of the scheme cannot be accurately quantified, it is estimated that it would generate in the order of 20 full-time jobs associated with groundskeeping, maintenance, concierge, sales and management roles.
"In addition, it is anticipated that the development proposals would support the creation of further indirect and induced employment opportunities - approximately 150 jobs - off-site in the wider regional economy.
"In total, therefore, the employment impact associated with the proposals is estimated to be 475 full-time equivalent jobs."
Lichfields go on to say all this economic activity could be worth £15.1 million per annum.
It states: "Through the provision of leisure and recreational uses, the proposals provide the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the local visitor economy through the increased number of overnight visitors attracted to Cleethorpes.
"The proposals allow for the provision of 206 hotel bedrooms.
"Assuming that each room can accommodate, on average, two guests, it is estimated that the hotel could support a maximum of 412 visitors per night.
"This translates to a maximum of 150,380 annual visitor numbers."
However, Lichfields acknowledge that, with hotel occupancy likely to average 57 per cent, a more realistic visitor-figure is 86,218.
What of occupancy of the holiday lodges - 56 of which would be of eight beds and 216 of 10 beds?
Say Lichfields: "This element of the scheme will be closed from November to March, but it is estimated that the development could accommodate approximately 318,540 visitor nights each year.
"In total, therefore, taking account of both the proposed hotel and holiday lodges, it is estimated that the proposed development could support up to 404,760 visitor nights per annum.
"This is presented as a gross figure and does not take into account the degree to which the proposed uses could displace demand for existing visitor accommodation in the area."
Planners at NELC have many other factors to consider as well as the potential economic impact and the benefits to its own bank balance.
It is continuing to collate all the representations and could be in a position to make a decision either later this year or in the first half of 2025.
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