Coast ups its game as freedom returns
Derbyshire families will be able to enjoy plenty of first-time experiences when resorts on the east coast, including Skegness, reopen for business from Monday. It’s been a lean time entertainment wise, so a visit will be a real tonic, says Emily White
THE glorious 12th – we mean April 12, the reopening of outdoor pubs and restaurants, non-essential retail, gyms and hairdressers, of course – is fast approaching. Thoughts are returning to being able to do those things we have not been able to do for much of the past year. With lockdown restrictions set to be further eased next month, one of those, surely, must be a visit to the seaside.
For many Derbyshire families, the year is not complete with a visit to Skegness or other east coast towns for (hopefully) sun, sea and a visit to the fish and chip shop.
The need to get some sea air inside us is probably built into our DNA, and the good news is that for 2021, a number of new attractions are set to open on the Lincolnshire coast.
The Skegness and Mablethorpe area has been awarded £48.4 million in Government funding for regeneration projects. We have taken a look at a few of the key attractions coming to the area, and there’s plenty to be excited about.
Those in charge of the projects are fully aware of the need for Covid safety around fun activities these days, so that’s definitely a huge box to tick.
Before you pack the car and head off, though, rememember than outdoor gatherings remain limited to six people or two households.
LUMLEY SHOPPING PLAZA
This new feature is set to open in April in the former Beales department store site in Skegness.
Developed by Indoor Retail Properties Ltd, it will hold a number of shops, including a large garden centre, a photo printing outlet, a bespoke babywear store, a footwear shop, a store for handmade resin products, handbags, and a nail salon.
There will also be a restaurant, post office, event space and escape rooms within the complex.
TOWER ESPLANADE TRANSFORMATION
Progress on the pedestrianisation of the Tower Esplanade in Skegness is already well under way.
In late February, work was completed to prepare the ground for the new block-paving that will create the pedestrianised area.
Local councillors say they hope the works will make Skegness a “more upmarket” area.
FANTASY ISLAND AND THREE NEW RIDES
The past year has been tough for all of our visitors and we’re so excited to welcome everyone back. Paige Harris
The Ingoldmells theme park is set to reopen on Monday, in line with Government guidelines.
There will be three new rides rollercoaster The Spinning Racer, indoor-ride The Guardian, and a third ride, which is still to be announced.
Four more family-friendly outdoor rides will also be open at the park for a limited-time only in April - Lady Bugs, Pirate Ship, Teacups and, a family favourite, Apple Coaster.
The team behind the attraction said “careful plans” have been put into place to ensure the venue is Covid-secure, with additional handwashing stations, extra cleaning staff, social-distancing measures and hand sanitiser at all rides and paypoints.
Paige Harris, marketing manager for Fantasy Island, said: “The past year has been tough for all of our visitors and we’re so excited to welcome everyone back to Fantasy Island once again for some muchneeded fun and adventure.
“We’ve gone the extra mile to make sure that the park is Covid-safe and with three new rides and guaranteed thrills, we can’t wait to open our doors and let the good times roll again!” The first new ride to be announced, The Spinning Racer, will open on Monday. The rollercoaster can reach speeds of 70km (43mph) per hour
The second new ride, The Guardian, will open on May 17.
THE COLONNADE IN SUTTON ON SEA
Work has already begun on the new colonnade, with the demolition of the previous structure to make way for the new building to be put in its place. The plans for a replacement were unveiled by the district council last year after extensive community consultation and include a café, restaurant, day let beach huts and gallery space.
NEW SHOPPING QUARTER AT THE FORMER FUN CITY ARCADE
Plans to build 60 flats, along with new shops, restaurants, and cafes, on the derelict site of the former Fun
City arcade and adventure park, on North Parade, next to Natureland, Skegness, were approved in September last year.
THE ICE EXPERIENCE
The Ice Experience is set to open in The Hive nightlife entertainment complex in the Sky Pier, Skegness, in late 2021.
Once open, the venue will be the only one of its kind in the UK, following the closure of The Ice Experience in London at the beginning of the pandemic last year.