Work resumes on Cleethorpes seafront 'amenity' building but is council struggling to find tenants?

                                         

Above and below: artist's impressions of how the site might look once construction is completed 

 

AN assurance has been given that work is set to resume  in earnest on Cleethorpes' start-stop project to build a new amenity building on Sea Road opposite the pier. 

The work was halted last year after the previous contractor, JemBuild, had to pull out as a result of sad and unforeseen circumstances.

It was hoped that another local construction firm would take up the reins but instead the prestigious  contract has gone to the Lincoln-based Lindum Group.  

A new three-storey art deco-style building will be constructed on the brownfield site that was formerly occupied by a a pub.

It will accommodate WCs and changing facilities, but what else?

No one seems to know, not even the project's sponsors, North East Lincolnshire, which will  only say: "It will comprise retail or hospitality space."

This seems to suggest that it might be struggling to find a tenant. 

Access will be by both the first and ground floors.

Over the past couple of weeks, work has been ongoing  to complete some of the internal detailed designs and to remove spoil from the site.

Lindum Group co-chairman Freddie Chambers comments: "Lindum is a Lincolnshire-based company with strong links to this part of the county, and we are committed to supporting the local economy through the use of local subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible. 

"We look forward to engaging with local groups and stakeholders throughout the project, including opportunities for site visits where appropriate.

"We are pleased to be working with North East Lincolnshire Council once again -  previous projects together have included works to the Grade II listed Victoria Mill building and upgrades at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre."

The Grimsby News says: So far down the track  it seems surprising that NELC does not appear to know whether the anchor tenant will be a retailer or a hospitality-provider such as a restaurant or a pub. The internal requirements would be quite different, so what specifications will Lindum follow when it fits out the interior? While uncertainty prevails, the concern is that no anchor tenant will come forward in which case the new building might end up as no more than an empty shell - in effect a white elephant. NELC needs to provide some clarity.