Construction on new Gateway to coast begins

Discovery of wartime smoke bombs and historic sea defences have delayed the laying of foundations.

However, council officials were on site on Monday morning to officially celebrate the start of building.

The observatory – funded by Lincolnshire County Council and the Coastal Communities Fund and Arts Council England – will give nature lovers a new way to experience the coast and will form an impressive gateway to the Coastal Country Park.

It will include an art space, café and public toilets, and is expected to be completed in the autumn.

Coun Colin Davie, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for Economic Development, said he hoped the observatory would be finished by the autumn.

He said: “This is just one of a series of investments on the coast, which we are confident will help attract new visitors to the area.

“Combined with the nearby outdoor theatre space and the new visitor centre at Gibraltar Point, it will help extend the traditional tourist season, providing a significant boost to the economy. I can’t wait to see it finished.”