Could the approaches to Cleethorpes Railway Station be transformed in time for summer next year?

More than just a spruce- up - Strala architects' impression of what is in prospect

A PROPOSED revamp of the Grant Street and North Promenade approaches to Cleethorpes Railway Station has moved a step closer.

A formal planning application from TransPennine Express has been submitted to North East Lincolnshire Council.

The design brief states: "TPE are looking to make improvements to the public square and to provide an enhanced arrival experience for all visitors whether arriving by road/ rail/cycle/on foot with improved links/way finding to the North Promenade and town centre. 

"We aspire to pass on our heritage to successors in an enhanced state. 

"This project will bring lasting change to the heritage buildings within the focus area, showcasing the Victorian age.

"We aim to undertake public realm improvements to create improved compliant, safe and welcoming pedestrian links. from Grant Street and North Promenade to the main entrance of Cleethorpes  Station, while also providing landscaping and planting opportunities to enhance the aesthetics of the public realm." 

It continues: "The existing condition of the station entrance includes two access ramps that are no longer compliant with modern building regulations and pose a risk to passenger safety.

"By improving access to public transport, we intend to enhance both passenger safety and the overall experience at the station entrance. 

"The proposal includes the construction of two disability-compliant accessible ramps -one leading  from North Promenade to the station entrance, and another from the station entrance to Grant Street. 

"Additionally, the scheme features the construction of planters with integrated timber seating to create rest and social areas, along with new paving along the route."

It adds: "The site is within an area that is in vital need for revitalisationn andregeneration.

"A development of this magnitude  will contribute to the Central Seafront Conservation Area and enhance the approach into the Grade II listed station building." 

Support for the rail company's initiative has been sounded by North East Lincolnshire Council's heritage officer, Louise Jennings who comments: "Currently  the area does not reflect the Cleethorpes Seafront Conservation area in the positive manner that  we would wish it to. 

"These proposals  address this and this should result in Station Approach  becoming the welcome to Cleethorpes seafront from both Grant Street and the main station  entrance that the area deserves."

However, the officer  has sounded a slight note of misgiving.

"The overall scheme is good, but some elements are dictated by  the need to create properly compliant ramped access which has resulted in a bright yellow proposed for steps and handrails which is not necessarily complementary to the historic environment

 "However, it is important that everyone should be able to move easily and safely in this space."

She continues: "The materials are going to be critically important to the success of the scheme, and it is important  that the brickwork references the station in order to create a cohesive scheme. 

"The bricks  should be in the same soft red and bond pattern to match the listed station buildings.

"It is also important that the colour of the paving is both reflective of the heritage and of the resort."

Assuming the scheme is granted planning consent without too much delay, its is hoped the works could start early next year.                                             

Not pretty is it? The Grant Street approach as it is now

                                                        

The existing ramp is said not to meet current building regulation standards 

The ambitious  scheme  also proposes new lighting