New 'whale lights' in Skegness are switched on

New lighting forming a gateway to the coastline in Skegness has been switched on for everyone to enjoy.
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Over recent weeks, East Lindsey District Council has been undertaking a major refurbishment programme on Tower Esplanade, as one of the first major projects to be taken forward from Skegness’ Foreshore Masterplan.

The £400,000 investment in this area has seen the paths on either side of the Esplanade resurfaced, new granite benches installed, new marine grade stainless steel litter bins and a major bespoke lighting scheme with 8m curved lights that are back lit (with interchangeable colours) and project moving images onto the paths below.

Sam Robbins, senior technical officer for ELDC described the project at a special launch on Wednesday evening. He explained: "With the loss of traditional illuminations the idea was to put back something innovative and modern as part of the future economic strategy to improve area

New lighting in Tower Esplanade, Skegness, has been switched on.New lighting in Tower Esplanade, Skegness, has been switched on.
New lighting in Tower Esplanade, Skegness, has been switched on.

"This is what we have created as part of the Foreshore Masterplam.

"We think it's forward thinking, innovative and customised in its design. someing unique to Skegness.

"We wanted to create a modern vibrant tourist attraction, create a wow factor, making sure it frames the Clock Tower.as the gateway to the coastline.

"That's how we came up with the columns that have a triangular section to them, The inside of the face is designed so we can create a column of light from the clock tower to the sea. The unique design in the halo atthe top of the light is colour changing.

Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt, Coun Steve Kirk, ELDC's Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, and Sam Robbins, senior technical officer for ELDC at the launch of the new lighting in Tower Esplanade.Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt, Coun Steve Kirk, ELDC's Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, and Sam Robbins, senior technical officer for ELDC at the launch of the new lighting in Tower Esplanade.
Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt, Coun Steve Kirk, ELDC's Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, and Sam Robbins, senior technical officer for ELDC at the launch of the new lighting in Tower Esplanade.

"Interspersed with the curved columns are light stacks. We have taken some of the design of lighting down here in the 60s and 70s and incorporated them into the modern theme, preserving a bit of foreshore history as well.

"We have put some custom granite benches in there as well with natural iroko wood and used stainless steel bins to complement it."

Coun Steve Kirk, ELDC's Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, Sam Robbins, senior technical officer for ELDCsaid: "This is the first of a phase of schemes which I announced in 2017.

"I think it is fantastic and already people of social media are referring to the whale lights.

Light stacks reflect historic lighting from the 60s and 70s.Light stacks reflect historic lighting from the 60s and 70s.
Light stacks reflect historic lighting from the 60s and 70s.

"Certainly, if you look down towards the clock tower it does look like you are on the inside of a whale.

",I like many people, think that parts of Skegness have not seen the investment the town deserves and this is one step of putting that right.

"These lights are bespoke - there is nothing like them in the whole world - and they are really putting Skegness on the map - LED as well, so they are good for the environment.

"I think people will come out in the evening just to look at the lights and that has to be good for the night-time economy."

The columns have been referred to as whale lights.The columns have been referred to as whale lights.
The columns have been referred to as whale lights.

Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt was also present at the launch. He said; "I think the lights look fantastic.

"The public and private sector are investing in the town which is good to see.

"Hopefully it will bring a lot of tourism and people will love to come down here in an evening with families to chill out."

Further development of Tower Esplanade is planned, including its pedestrianisation to create an events space, with a change of access to the car parks.