A BRIGHT future is in store for Cleethorpes Pier – but it needs YOU to make it a success.
The lease on the iconic landmark has been taken on by local businessman Bryan Huxford – chair of Eastern Airways – in a groundbreaking deal he hopes will secure its future for years to come.
But the long-term plan will see the historical venue run and managed by the community – with every penny made pumped back into the Pier and the wider community.
Mr Huxford said: "This has the potential to be very exciting and could create jobs, boost skills and give people across North East Lincolnshire a venue to be really proud of.
"But we're not getting ahead of ourselves at this stage, because we know the Pier will only truly survive and thrive with the support of local people."
Mr Huxford has taken on the £80,000 annual lease from owner Bryn Ilsley after the sale of the venue fell through earlier this year.
He is one of seven local business people who together form The Pier Group, and will steer the project to ensure it is brought back to its former glory.
For the first year, it will be run commercially as a traditional entertainment venue – rather than the tried and failed nightclub – including ideas for a dance and concert hall, tearooms, craft markets and wedding receptions.
All profits made will go towards the Pier's running and maintenance costs in order to restore it to its former glory.
The Pier Group will also attract additional funding and search for local people to take on both paid and voluntary roles as a "community initiative group".
Mr Huxford – who wants the venue open as quickly as possible – will then buy it and hand over the management of it to that group.
A borough-wide public consultation will be launched next week to find out what the people of North East Lincolnshire want the Pier to be used for.
After three years, the community initiative group can use profits and funding to buy the Pier from Mr Huxford – for the same price he pays for it in 12 months' time.
"We will be opening consultations very soon and hope lots of people will choose to get involved in deciding the future of this great, regional landmark," Mr Huxford added.
Long-term plans also include profits from the Pier being used to pay for regeneration projects elsewhere in the borough.
A spokesperson for the Pier Group said: "Mr Huxford and the other members of the Group have absolutely no financial gain from this. All of them are local people who have done very well out of the town and made a good living, and who feel that it is really important to have pride in the area."
The news has been welcomed by the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Chris Shaw, and Friends of Cleethorpes Heritage (FCH) members.
Mr Shaw said: "It is now down to the community to step up to the mark. This is the way forward for the Pier. It has given this iconic feature of the resort a secure future."
Chair of FCH, Ann Reavey, added: "I couldn't be more thrilled. This is fantastic news and, of course, our group would be very interested in getting involved."
HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think the Pier should be used for? Tell us by posting a comment.
