Action plan aims to strengthen East Lincolnshire economy

An action plan has been launched today which sets out opportunities to strengthen the economy in East Lincolnshire.

The Economic Action Plan identifies major projects and activities already underway, those to commence shortly and those where feasibility studies will be undertaken.

Working towards the shared objectives of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, this is the first time a single Action Plan has been developed that captures the work that is underway and on the horizon across all public sector organisations and large private developers both inland and on the coast.

The Action Plan identifies a range of projects including coastal flood risk management measures, a new business park for Skegness, and the assessment of exemplar coastal holiday accommodation that is flood resilient which could be occupied all year round. Many caravan parks along the coast are currently restricted to March to October as their period of occupancy due to coastal flood risk which is at its greatest risk during the winter months. The Council hopes that those sites eligible may consider the exemplar as a model for their own operation.

Inland projects include feasibility studies focused on expanding the Fairfield Industrial Estate in Louth to make available more business development land and re-opening Louth Navigation as a waterway. Work has already started on the development of a Destination Plan for the Lincolnshire Wolds, which includes the creation of a visual marketing brand and website, in partnership with the business community.

The visitor economy is worth around £584m to East Lindsey each year, with over 4,270,000 visitors enjoying breaks in the area. The sector employers over 8,000 people.