Withernsea’s seafront could be transformed with new beach huts and pedestrianisation
The proposals would see beach huts installed along the front of the town’s Memorial Gardens and the Fishing Compound and kiosks installed in Valley Gardens to create a ‘coastal market’.
Bollards would be installed on the Central Promenade between the coastguard station and the Fishing Compound to create a pedestrianised area for the huts.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdEast Riding Council and Withernsea Town Council stated the project aimed to enhance the Valley Gardens and Central Promenade, support local businesses, create jobs and improve the town’s offering.
It comes after Withernsea Town Council was offered £600,000 in March from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to help finance the project, following a feasibility study done last year.
Eight beach units will be installed initially and groundwork will be done for a total of 32 at Memorial Gardens, along with 10 kiosks in Valley Gardens.
Some refurbishment of the Fishing Compound would also be undertaken.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe town council stated revenue raised once the schemes are operational could be invested into more projects in the town.
An FAQ on the proposals stated installing beach huts had been a long-standing ambition for Withernsea.
It added the nature and profile of the town’s beach and debris throw up onto the promenade during storms meant they had to be installed further away from the seafront.
More locations could be considered for beach huts if the initial pilot scheme of eight is successful.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe huts would be built out of graffiti and fire-resistant material and they and the kiosks would be fitted with storm doors and locks to protect them from antisocial behaviour.
Space would be made available for the town’s Funfair either in its current promenade location or elsewhere on the seafront and operators will be asked about their preferences.
Withernsea Town Council and East Riding Council would also authorise the use of the space for attractions and trying to accommodate Bikers Nights and other events.
The kiosks would be aimed at start-up businesses such as artisans to test ideas and build up a customer base before taking on a premises of their own.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey would also provide low-cost units to services or businesses that have been lost in Withernsea’s town centre, with rents between £250 and £280-a-month being considered.
Their installation in Valley Gardens would also create a venue which could host wider seasonal events or attractions.
A planning application is set to be drawn up and lodged once the consultation has finished and the conditions of the funding require works to be finished by March 2025.
To take part in the consultation visit: https://eastyorkshirecoast.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/withernsea-seafront-regeneration/step1.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.