'˜You decide!' - name Skegness' new pavilion

Skegness Town Council is inviting residents to come up ideas for what to call the replacement of the delapidated Victorian Tower Pavilion in Tower Gardens, which is due to be demolished in December.

Launching the competition, deputy town clerk Kate Ford said: “It is open to all residents of Skegness and Winthorpe, regardless of age. We want to make sure that the building is accessible to all and helps to bring the community together. We would love to hear from you with what you think the building should be called.

“The Council is very interested in the reasons behind your chosen name for the community building, you may want to name the building after someone or something from the area or choose a name with cultural or historical significance to Skegness.

“Maybe you would like a name associated with the seaside and all that Skegness has to offer? Whatever your idea we would love to hear it.”

Long-awaited artist’s impressions of the new £1.5m community hub were revealed last month and have now been submitted to East Lindsey District Council.

Skegness Town Council has remained committed to replacing the pavilion in Tower Gardens, in spite of a massive disappointment when proposals for a £2million community hub - incorporating cafe and museum - were rejected by the Coastal Communities Fund in April last year.

The new plans include a function room for events and weddings, a cafe, facilities for the disabled and an office for the town council expected to take up just 20 per cent of the building. In addition, the project includes the transfer to Skegness Town Council by East Lindsey District Council of the whole of Tower Gardens, including all the associated assets, together with the Scarbrough Avenue car park.

Town clerk Steve Larner said they were delighted to finally be close to delivering the project. “We have listened to what the residents in Skegness wanted and they have told us that they want Skegness to take back control of its assets.

“Not only will we be building a community hub for the residents of the town to enjoy, but we are also taking back control of the whole of the Tower Gardens.”

Mayor of Skegness Coun Sid Dennis said: “There has been a feeling throughout Skegness that people want to take charge of their own destiny. This is what we are doing, taking charge and looking after Skegness people.

“It will be a building full of light, modern and energy efficient and something that will be a credit for the community.”

To take part in the competition, residents can access the entry form of the Skegness Town Council website at www.skegness.gov.uk. They can also see the plans at the next open event at the Town Hall on Tuesday, November 20, at 6pm.

The winner will be invited to the grand opening of the building and will be recognised as the person who named the building.