Exciting plans for £1.2m all-year round attraction to boost tourism in Skegness

DETAILS of an ambitious plan to create an all year round attraction in Skegness have been revealed.

Skegness Town Centre Partnership will soon be applying for planning permission for a major £1.2m development along Scarborough Esplanade, between The Pier and Bottons Pleasure Beach. 

The plan, which is awaiting funding confirmation, includes a covered walkway similar in shape to the waving arms of the resort's famous Jolly Fisherman mascot; a stage at either end for entertainment; lighting displays and a bus pull in with fountains timed to music.  

The project has been shortlisted by Lincolnshire County Council as one element of a single Lincolnshire bid for funding of up to £5m from the European Regional Development Fund. 

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The Partnership hopes that if funding is confirmed and planning permission granted, the development could be up and running for March 2014, with further phases down the line.

Both the owners of the Pier and Bottons support the project and are making a substantial contribution towards its cost.

William Mitchell, Joint Managing Director of Skegness Pier, said: "We have been working as part of a team in partnership with a whole raft of people and organisations to get the scheme this far.

"There are just one or two more hurdles to clear, so our fingers are still crossed and we hope that this will become an iconic addition to the Skegness foreshore."

Managing Director of Bottons, Jim Botton, said: "This is a project we've been working on for some time.  If the funding comes through and planning consent is given it will regenerate an important are of the town."

East Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership are also supporting the development of the project. 

Mayor of Skegness, Councillor Mark Anderson, said: "The idea for the covered walkway came from an employee at Bottons who recognised the challenge for the tourism industry in adverse weather and the need to extend the season.  Since the idea was raised, the partnership has been determined to drive forward the project to make a real difference to the community in Skegness."

Skegness Town Manager, Stefan Krause, said: "The partnership is led by Skegness business community working together with local authorities to improve Skegness' trading environment and inspire more entrepreneurship. This project is an important milestone to expand Skegness' seasonal tourism and create a new innovative attraction all year round."