The seafront is what people value most about Skegness, but they also want to see a variety of improvements that would make the town a better place to experience.
That’s the finding of consultation carried out earlier this summer by Connected Coast to help to determine how £20M in government funding could be invested in the town.
Through the consultation, local people were invited to share their views and ideas in an online and paper survey around safety and security; high streets, heritage, and regeneration, and transport and connectivity, the funding themes. The survey captured 161 responses, and people also shared their thoughts and ideas via feedback boards which were placed in seven locations in the town.
Capturing views from young people was a crucial aspect of the process. YMCA Lincolnshire held an outreach and feedback session for under 18s, whilst around 80 students at King Edward VI school in Spilsby had their say during feedback sessions at the school.
And, people were also able to get have their say at events including at Connected Coast’s exhibition event.
A number of key findings have emerged through the consultation:
- Overwhelming people feel that the best thing about Skegness is its beach/sea/seafront/coastline, with around three in five respondents in the survey highlighting this.
- There is, however, appetite for significant improvements that could create a better town centre experience for everyone. There is interest in a better retail offer and a desire for a cleaner, tidier, and smarter Skegness. In the survey, 68% of respondents said they would most like to see improved public spaces closely followed by 67% of respondents who would like improvements to streets and buildings.
- People would like to be able to enjoy Skegness safely and securely, and there is concern about anti-social behaviour.
- There is also an aspiration for ‘more things to do’. Around three in five survey respondents highlighted that they would most like to see live music and theatre, shows, author talks and film screenings supported.
- Heritage is important, with 56% of survey respondents stating they would like to see the fixing up and improvement of the town’s historic sites and buildings.
- There is interest in investment in community facilities and resources. Just over half of survey respondents – 54% – would most like to see investment in community spaces, whilst exactly half – 50% – of respondents would like to see the improvement of existing sports facilities/the creation of new sports facilities.
The consultation has been taking place after it was announced last year that Skegness would receive £20M over a ten year period in Long Term Plan for Towns funding, with the plan for how this funding would be invested to be determined with the involvement of the community.
It was great to hear from so many people through the consultation, and gain a real insight into what matters to the local
Chris BaronChair of Connected Coast
community.
We have been able to find out what people value, what could be better, and what improvements the public feel could make a tangible and long-term difference for the town.
The Board has paid close attention to what we have heard and the feedback will help to inform future planning and decision-making.
We have much to celebrate and be proud of in Skegness, but there is also significant opportunity for investment and interventions that will allow the town to realise its full potential.
Paul McCooeyChair of the Connected Coast Skegness Sub-Group
What the consultation has allowed us to do is focus in on what people’s priorities are for the town, and what differences they would like to see in Skegness, now and into the future We look forward to sharing an update on the next steps following the consultation, and once again, I would like to thank the community for their involvement.
Originally the board was working towards a 1st August deadline to submit its plan for Skegness but this has now been moved. Confirmation of the new timescale for submission is awaited from the government, with the Connected Coast board ready to make its submission as soon as the new timings are announced.
Thank you to everyone who took part in this important consultation and sharing your views to tell us what you value the most about Skegness and the facilities and services you would like to see more of in the resort.
Councillor Steve KirkPortfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy at East Lindsey District Council
The Long Term Plan for Towns provides us with an opportunity for further investment and this consultation has been an important part of the process in helping to shape the future of the town.
As with any consultation, we are considering all the views made which will help determine how best to use the Government funding. We want to ensure this opportunity brings investment and possibilities that will be beneficial and far reaching for residents and visitors to Skegness.
The full consultation report can be found here.
