FANCY getting married at Cleethorpes Pier?
The historic site is set to be transformed into a top entertainment and conference venue as early as Christmas, catering for large and small weddings.
A group of investors, including Eastern Airways chairman Bryan Huxford, unveiled their impressive vision for the future of the venue last year.
It includes the renovation of the main function rooms allowing for entertainment, conference facilities, functions and events, as well as decking improvements and a 360-degree promenade.
North East Lincolnshire Council has now given planning permission for the transformation under delegated powers, and the sale of the site to the group is set go through on July 18.
Construction work is set to start soon with the hope of opening the new facilities in time for Christmas.
As reported, the ambitious plans include a new bar, tearoom, high-quality restaurant, multi-purpose ballroom and boutique cinema. But bringing the vision to a reality now rests on sourcing further development funding from a combination of local business support and grants from the Regional Growth Fun.
A spokesperson for the group said the Pier will inject additional revenues into the local economy with national companies and organisations being attracted to make use of the conference facilities.
"While achieving that main goal, the continued development will also create jobs and provide an amenity that the people of North East Lincolnshire can really enjoy," said the group's statement.
Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for tourism at the council, said: "It's absolutely great news for the borough and I wish the consortium every success with their development.
"The Pier is an iconic building for Cleethorpes and I'm very happy to see that the they're bringing it back into use.
"I'm more than happy to work with them and the council is here to help with this ambitious project wherever we can."
The existing Pier tearooms will remain open during the refurbishment period and disruptions will be kept to a minimum.
Any issues with access or changes to opening hours will be promoted in advance on 'The Pier Cleethorpes' website and social media channels.
Residents wishing to book the venue for weddings and functions in 2015 are being invited to register their interest now via the website at www.thepiercleethorpes.co.uk
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