The Colonnade - What Comes Next?

It's five years this August since structural defects in the colonnade were discovered and its future started to be discussed.  In September, phase one of the construction of its replacement is about to begin.

 There are a few things that can be said about this project.

1. It has divided opinion among residents and businesses throughout the process
2. It has undergone significant changes, not always fully consulted on, since it was first unveiled
3. It will change the face of Sutton-on-Sea from a physical perspective
4. It will have taken seven years before any of it is in use, barring further problems occuring
5. Costs have risen by £2 million.  The Towns Fund grant secured for the project was fixed, meaning additional costs must be found from ELDC budgets
6. Questions remain as to whether the reasons for delays, and some of the increased costs, could have been avoided with more diligent planning
7. A phase two is planned to provide the holiday lodges
8. The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and tennis courts have been saved, or are at least being relocated

ELDC and contractors presumably now know what they are going to do to, but where does it leave residents, businesses and our Town Council?  What part can be played by them?

Sutton-on-Sea will certainly look different but its character does not have to be adversely altered. It still has ts blue flag, sandy beach, a range of independent shops and a quieter pace of life than neighbouring Mablethorpe.  Its trump card is its people.  It is still within their grasp to ensure that the community that will be centred around the "state-of-the-art facilities" turns things to their advantage and enhances the character of the village.

First on the list should be persuading ELDC to abandon the proposal for the holiday lodges in phase two.  These are, in all probability, seen as contributing to the commercial viability of the scheme, generating income directly for the district council.  Alternatives need to be explored that, preferably, are not season dependent..

It is also very important for community groups, organisations, local activities and businesses to have a presence in the new pavillion through events, displays, advertising, signposting and other creative means.

Finally, the Town Council should promote the facility, in the context of the character of Sutton-on-Sea as a whole, through the annual Town Guide and at every opportunity.

The bottom line is, it's going to happen let's make the most of it for our benefit.