Deadline looms for firms seeking to transform historic Pier Gardens into 'something-for-everyone' park

                                                

A doubtful future beckons for the lawns and shrubs in Pier Gardens

FIRMS wanting to redevelop Pier Gardens in Cleethorpes have until noon on Wednesday September 10 to submit their bids.

The deadline has regularly been put back while the scheme has undergone numerous tweaks, but this could be the last one or the project risks losing its credibility.

A main feature - one certain to be popular with many teenage boys (though perhaps less so with girls)  - will be a skateboard park on the corner of Sea Road and Alexandra Road.

Also likely to figure prominently are an illuminated steel artwork display of the letters  C.L.E.E - so people will be left in no doubt where they are. 

It seems there might also be a "clocktower/pavilion timber-framed structure with steel supports,  and integrated clock mechanisms".

And a water attraction and kiddies' play area are  also being mooted.

But there are many questions - for instance, the extent, if any, to which soil will be removed  to flatten the gardens' existing heavy contours and the destination of any shrubs earmarked for removal.

After scrutinising any bids and awarding the contract - for which the budget is £5.85-million - North East Lincolnshire want works to start on October 20 and to be completed by about the same date next year.

NELC's briefing notes to potential bidders states: "The scheme for this 1.2-hectare linear park  is to  re-develop this area of land in order to improve the space. 

"Once complete, Pier Gardens will provide a range of activities for all age groups, ranging from passive to interactive. 

"These activities are accessible for all abilities and at all times of the year and cater for the needs of the community in addition to attracting visitors."

Controversially, NELC has absolved itself of any need to seek planning permission before proceeding.

Some see this as  regrettable because it has prevented  interested individuals or organisations to express comment on the council planning pages.

It is not known, for instance,  if there has been an ecological impact assessment by an independent consultant or if  English Heritage has made any formal submission on a site with an important historic legacy.

Also missing from the public debate are any comments  by the Environment Agency (about flood risk), by the police (about potential crime and vandalism)  and by the Health and Safety Executive (on water safety).

Once works start, it is likely that the whole of the gardens will be surrounded by hoarding for a year as already exists on the adjacent Sea Road  site earmarked for an amenity building.

* One firm thought to be considering bidding for the works is Hull-based PBS Construction Ltd which is familiar with Cleethorpes having carried out public realms works in the town in previous years. 

                                          

Pier Gardens in the 1960s when the emphasis was on floral colour