New pavement fountains in Withernsea spring into action
Tue 10th April 2018
Work has been completed on several new pavement fountains on Withernsea’s Central Promenade, a great step forward for delivery of the town’s seafront improvement plan.
The project has been funded by Withernsea Big Local, Westermost Rough Offshore Wind Farm at Ørsted Energy (formerly DONG Energy) and East Riding of Yorkshire Council and will cost around £311,000. The project was also made possible through the co-operation of the Trustees of the Memorial Gardens, who agreed to allow part of their land to be used in the project.
Originally planned to go ahead in early 2017, the work was put back to January 2018 to avoid disruption on the Promenade and enable technical details to be finalised.
The tenacity and support of Withernsea’s Big Local Steering Group has been a driving force behind bringing the project to fruition and will now see 14 jets arranged in a zigzag pattern, together with new raised seating funded by Tesco Bags of Help (£12,000), to create a focal point on the Central Promenade.
Peter Crawley, chairman of Big Local, said: “This is a major project on Withernsea Big Local’s initial two-year plan. With the help of funding from various partners and support of local groups, we have driven this project to completion. This will be an attraction for residents to enjoy all year round and for visitors to the town. It will be an added benefit to the summer events and will help attract more people and investment into Withernsea.”
The Withernsea Seafront Improvement Plan, which has been developed by Withernsea and South East Holderness Regeneration Partnership (W&SEHRP) aims to increase the use and attractiveness of the seafront for the whole community and for visitors and act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the town.
Kevan Hough, chair of W&SEHRP, said: “The fountains project is an integral part of the partnership’s seafront plan. The original idea for the fountains came from residents of Withernsea so it is especially pleasing to have delivered this part of the plan.
“I would like to thank everyone very much for their work on this project. It is a real example of people and organisations working hard together to benefit the community. Of course it couldn't have happened without the funders who saw the importance of the project and backed it with the necessary cash.
“The partnership will carry on working hard to deliver the other elements of the plan. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing our local children and the children
of our visitors enjoy this exciting new facility.”
Councillor Andy Burton, cabinet portfolio holder for economic investment and planning delivery at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Withernsea seafront is an important location for both residents of the town and for visitors to enjoy.
“The new pavement fountains and seating have been identified as a priority by local people and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, as part of Withernsea Seafront Improvement Plan, and working alongside the community and our partners – Big Local, Orsted and Tesco Bags of Help - we are delighted to see these ideas turning into reality.
“The improvements along the seafront will complement other recent investments in the town and we hope they will also help to spark further regeneration in Withernsea.”
Emma Toulson, lead stakeholder advisor for Ørsted UK, said: “We are very proud to support the regeneration project at Withernsea and it’s great to see it taking shape. The Humber region plays a vital role in our offshore wind business and we believe that investment back into the community is an important part of our long-term commitment to the area.”
Work on the project was undertaken by Jackson Civils.
Jackson’s Northern Regional Director Brett Jarman said: “We are delighted to deliver this project on behalf of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council which will benefit the Withernsea Promenade. We’re happy it could be completed ready in time for the summer months.”
