Plans have been submitted to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes into a large holiday resort, featuring a Lidl superstore, two five-story hotels, and 272 holiday lodges. Councillors are expected to decide on the proposal in the near future, following two late legal representations made in July.
From Theme Park to Holiday Resort
The theme park, located off Kings Road, closed in 2016 after 23 years of operation. The site, which spans 60 acres, has remained derelict since then. The redevelopment plans include a Lidl store, two five-story hotels (one with 148 rooms and a casino), a drive-thru coffee shop, cycle-hire facilities, an angling hub in the existing lake, shops, and restaurants.
Planning was originally submitted in 2023, but legal challenges and environmental assessments have delayed the process. The decision was deferred with the expectation that the application would come before councillors at the planning committee's August meeting.
Council and Environmental Considerations
Council planning manager Martin Dixon issued a short update at this month's planning committee, saying: "The legal team advise that there are things we need to bottom out in terms of that," referring to the late legal representations. Councillors have previously described the plans for redevelopment as an appropriate way to use the land.
In 2024, the Environment Agency (EA) submitted an objection to amendments in the plans, which include building a new bridge over the Buck Beck. Mock-up images of the proposed development show large buildings surrounding the existing lake, as well as food and drink facilities.
Many of the rides from the original theme park were sold off in 2018. The park first opened in the 1990s and was popular with locals and annual visitors. It is not yet known when the holiday park would open if the plans are approved.
