‘Residents' voices at the heart’: Green light for bold new plan for Skegness after local people help shape £20m proposal
Multi-million-pound plans setting out a bold new future for Skegness have been given the green light by East Lindsey District Council – marking a major step forward in the town’s long-term regeneration.
Shaped by extensive community feedback gathered since early 2024, the plans set out a ten-year ambition for Skegness along with investment priorities for the next four years. Councillors say the proposals reflect exactly what residents have been calling for: safer streets, more year-round activities, and better opportunities for work and training.
The work forms part of the government’s Pride in Place programme, which could bring up to £20 million to Skegness over the next decade. The first instalment of funding is expected to arrive in April 2026.
At the heart of the document are five investment priorities: Safe and Well Skegness; Skilled and Working Skegness; Connected Skegness; Leisure and Culture Skegness; and Natural Skegness. Together, they outline a vision of a town that “works for its residents all year round.”
More than 1,200 responses – along with countless conversations at events and drop-in sessions – have helped shape the blueprint, which will guide how the Pride in Place funding is delivered. The message from residents was clear: investment must focus on cleanliness, safety, year-round leisure, and improved job prospects.
Following approval by East Lindsey District Council’s Executive Board on Tuesday (November 25), the plans have now been formally submitted to government for consideration.
Oversight of the programme in the town is being led by the Skegness Neighbourhood Board, which brings together representatives from the public and private sectors, all committed to working collaboratively for Skegness’ future.
Paul McCooey, Chair of the Board, welcomed the council’s decision, describing it as “a key milestone.”
“The approval of these plans is a key milestone for our Pride in Place programme and it brings us one step closer to delivering improvements that local people want to see,” he said.
“We have placed the community at the very heart of developing our vision and priorities. Through surveys, events and many conversations over the last 18 months, we’ve built a clear picture of where this funding can make the most difference.
“Of course, we are not starting from scratch. We are building on a solid foundation of investment already making a difference in Skegness, including the Towns Fund and the brand new Skegness College.
“Pride in Place offers the chance to deliver even more, and we’ll continue working with the community throughout the programme. Please do keep an eye on our social media and our website, shapingskegnesstogether.co.uk, for opportunities to get involved.”
Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council, added that the plans provide “a focused and locally informed framework” for the years ahead.
“What is really crucial is that these plans reflect the themes residents have raised throughout the last year,” he said.
“Pride in Place offers a fantastic opportunity for further investment in Skegness, building on what has already been achieved, and it will be delivered through continued collaboration with the community.”
“I look forward to seeing the progress and the positive impact it will bring.”
A government response is expected in early 2026. In the meantime, detailed development work on the first phase of projects is already underway.
The Board says that consultation will remain central to the programme, with many more opportunities for residents to shape the town’s future in the months and years ahead.