Member Article

Work in motion on new £1.6 million community building in Skegness bringing new inclusive facilities to the town

Work has started on the construction of the new Tower Gardens Community Building, bringing a new lease of life and enhancing the popular Skegness park.

Work started on site at the end of May following demolition of the existing Tower Gardens Pavilion earlier this year. Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson are delivering the design and construction of the innovative building via the Scape Regional Construction framework, for Skegness Town Council.

The £1.6 million project due for completion in early 2020, will create a centrally located, mixed-use community building which is fully accessible to all, supporting the Council’s ambitions for a more inclusive environment, workplace and place to visit.

Residents from the local area were consulted throughout the process to further understand the facilities that were important to the community, with their feedback incorporated into the design and a competition held to decide on a name for the new building.

Public feedback received showed there was a clear need for a range of facilities, to make both the building and park a safe and inclusive space for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

The design of the new building responds to the existing site and surroundings, celebrating the vast history of the area whilst meeting changing demands and creating a functional and useable mixed-use community building.

The building will include a multi-purpose function room and event space, a changing places hygiene suite, a kitchen tearoom and café, as well as council offices.

The changing places hygiene suite will have a fully accessible toilet with a hoist, shower, room for two carers and an adult changing table. The tearoom will support the needs of those with dementia using reminiscence prompts with cognitive stimulation throughout the building.

The development of Tower Gardens Community Building and park is the latest investment as part of the town council’s vision for Skegness as a forward thinking, vibrant town known for its community feel and a positive choice of location to live and raise a family.

The vibrant seaside town first became a holiday hotspot in the early 1900s, and has grown to become a premier resort with year-round tourist attractions, a range of commercial interest, job opportunities and well-rated further education colleges.

Craig Stopper, Framework Construction Manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “The Tower Gardens development will bring a fresh and modern offering to Skegness, benefitting all of its residents and yearly visitors. The park is an important location for the local community, with a heritage spanning 140 years. We’re proud to play a part in its history and construct a new building that will become the go-to centre for local people – providing useful information, a place to enjoy the views of the garden and a key event space.

“With the new community building being fully-inclusive with a range of facilities that have been incorporated following the feedback of local people, we are positive it will be a great success for the town of Skegness and its local community and visitors alike.”

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Skegness Town Council to regenerate and revitalise the heart of the local community at Tower Gardens, with this fantastic new multi-use building. Our frameworks are designed to guarantee efficiency and certainty of project delivery, whilst embedding significant socioeconomic value by keeping communities engaged throughout.”

Steve Larner, Town Clerk at Skegness Town Council, added: “After many months of planning, it is fantastic to see work starting on site turning the Council’s ambition into reality. We have worked closely with G F Tomlinson’s to get the right design for this important site. Local people are excited to see progress on a site that has been derelict for years. The new building will be in the heart of the Town but at the same time in Tower Gardens which is an important oasis for the community – a place for family time or quiet reflection. We wanted a building that could provide a focal point for community activity in the town and that achievement is now within sight.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Eloise Cantello .