Cleethorpes Market Place pedestrianisation project begins in May

North East Lincolnshire Council has announced the appointment of Hessle-based CR Reynolds as the contractor for the pedestrianisation of Market Place in Cleethorpes.

The project marks the final instalment of three significant initiatives funded by the £18.4 million Government Levelling Up Fund.

Previous works include the transformation of Pier Gardens and the construction of a new tourism-focused building in Sea Road.

Construction will commence on Monday, 13th May.

Changes designed by landscape architects Gillespies are centred around pedestrianising the area, which will no longer serve as a through route for vehicles.

Initial steps will involve establishing the site for the contractor, during which Market Place’s public parking spaces will be removed.

Before construction, detailed designs and modern safety standards have been finalised, including wider paths for better access for wheelchairs and prams.

Flexible Space and Traffic Management

At the core of the redesign lies a flexible area intended for markets and events, alongside permanent seating.

Traffic management measures will include the temporary closure of Cross Street to vehicles.

Access to Market Place will be available from St Peters Avenue, with exits at Market Street or Osborne Street.

Cosgrove Street will have restricted entry from Market Place throughout the project.

Signage will be employed to guide visitors as construction progresses.

Opposition and Accessibility

Despite benefiting from the Cleethorpes Masterplan, the Market Place project has been met with criticism.

Notable opposition came from Reform UK group leader Cllr Oliver Freeston and nearby businesses concerned about parking space reduction.

Market Place has been Cleethorpes’ only free public car park.

Post-transformation, Blue Badge holders will be allocated dedicated bays.

October saw the opening of Victoria Car Park behind the Old Vic, off Alexandra Road, with operating hours of 8am to 6pm daily, allowing short and long-term stay.

Plans for a trial of up to 30 minutes free parking were discussed in March.

Other short-stay areas, including Cleethorpes Civic Offices Car Park, offer free parking on weekends and bank holidays following a Labour budget amendment.