Long term residents of the town remember fondly the ‘Golden Age’ of the South Prom with its lovely paddling pool, boating lakes, circuses and amusement arcades. Recent decades have seen a steady decline to the point where it is now arguably one of the town’s least attractive areas despite the addition of the excellent Inshore Rescue facilities. However, it seems that efforts are now being made to bring back some of its former glory. Let’s Go Hornsea are attempting to brighten up the sea wall with works from local artists and the Funfairs introduced this summer have proved very popular. Furthermore, although it is still a long way off as funding has yet to be found, it appears that the Council are now taking up the mantle. On Thursday, 30 July East Riding of Yorkshire Council, working with the Hornsea Area Renaissance Partnership (HARP), invited the public to come and view and provide feedback on plans which aim to redevelop the fishing compounds and surrounding area of the Hornsea South Promenade.
The new plans have been developed in partnership with the existing users of the site, including the commercial fishermen, Hornsea Inshore Rescue and the Hornsea Sea Angling Club. The plans aim to secure the future of the fishing industry in Hornsea whilst improving the facilities available to leisure users of the site by providing a safer environment for users and visitors along with a café, small retail space and education room. Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic investment and tourism, said: “These plans are important because, in the current economic climate, we must have regeneration initiatives prepared, with planning approval and robust business plans in place in order to make funding bids when grants become available.
“If funding is secured in future, this development will help to meet demand in Hornsea for water sports and leisure boating experiences, whilst supporting its important fishing industry.”
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, chairman of the HARP, said “HARP is supporting the development of these plans because they will provide another great destination for visitors and residents to enjoy on Hornsea seafront. We particularly want to see the area developed so that people can enjoy the views out to sea whilst watching the bustling activity to and from the boat compound, within a safe and pleasant environment.”
The European Fisheries Fund has funded the development of these plans through the Holderness Coast Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG).
After the event Felicity Clayton, renaissance coordinator, reported “The consultation was well attended by over 100 people (we couldn’t manage to get everyone to register on arrival because we were so busy, therefore the number is approximate). The feedback from this session has been passed on to the architect and the plans should be submitted for planning permission within the next week or so. It usually takes about twelve weeks for a decision. In the mean time the Steering Group for the project will be working on the business plan for the site and once we have planning permission and a business plan in place we can start to pursue funding opportunities”. For further details contact: [email protected] or call (01482) 391645
