A massive Victorian restoration of Cleethorpes costing £7.2 million and involving the partial pedestrianisation of Sea View Street has been hailed as "unbelievable news".

Shoppers and traders have united to speak enthusiastically about how the "future is bright" for Cleethorpes after an ambitious vision for a massive seafront and town centre redevelopment were revealed yesterday.

And to the delight of some Sea View Street shoppers and traders, much of the design appears to be inspired by Cleethorpes' Victorian heritage, as North East Lincolnshire Council sets out how it want to use a stack of lottery funding and external grants to enhance the historic character of the town.

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"The council have been very clever and wise. The area has got a unique Victorian feel to it and that needs to be upheld.

"I can't believe it's finally happening."

An artist's impression of how Alexandra Road, in Cleethorpes will look when the work is completed

At this stage some aspects of the scheme are still up for discussion, with the Sea View Street pedestrianisation and promenade public art space forming parts of those consultative talks.

The vast project will be funded by a £1.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, awarded to NELC for the regeneration of Cleethorpes, as well as £1 million of council cash, £3.8 million from the Coastal Communities Fund, and an additional £500,000 for the creation of a cycle hub at Cleethorpes station.

It will also include a climbing wall and outside gym known as the 'North Promenade Fitness Zone'.

A series of artists' impressions have been released to paint a picture for residents of how the streets along Cleethorpes seafront, town centre and shopping district will be upgraded.

By summer 2020 Cleethorpes town centre will be completely transformed with £7.2 million worth of grant funding. Sea View Street will be partially pedestrianised (Image: Jon Corken)

One central element is the pedestrianisation of the east end of Sea View Street, creating a paved avenue lined with independent shops.

"The buildings need restoring and we all hope it brings more visitors to the area.

"We want the street to look as nice as possible because we want as many people as possible to come and see us.

"We only want good vibes down here. Increasing tourism is important.

But for the works to be completed - drivers face having to battle yet more roadworks as the council plans on installing a series of temporary traffic lights, one-way systems and diversions throughout Cleethorpes.

An example of the types of lighting that will be installed along Cleethorpes Promenade

Stretching from Isaacs Hill, along High Street and Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes Promenade and Sea View Street, the work will get underway in June next year and be carried out in seven defined phases.

But Jackie Sherburn, owner of Sea View Street store Lily & Me, spoke up the need of investment in Cleethorpes and described the proposals as "only good news".