Skegness Tower Gardens Pavilion

When the planning began, there were few other high-quality, affordable community facilities available in Skegness, making this project a unique addition that addressed the need for accessible community amenities. Before this development, the council lacked a well-equipped meeting space, but now the new building offers a central location where residents can meet their local councillors for support and public consultations. This underscores the building's importance to the community and provides a source of civic pride for the town.

Additionally, since the council assumed management of the gardens, there has been a noticeable decline in anti-social behaviour and crime in what was once a neglected area. The scale and nature of the project provided numerous lessons for the council, which they are now sharing as 'best practice' through the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils and promoting as a flagship initiative in sector publications and articles.

This project is the largest ever undertaken by Skegness Town Council, marking a significant milestone in the Parish Council sector. The council team overseeing the work acquired a variety of new skills, adding value to the Council for future initiatives. The contractor's proactive engagement with the local community secured their support, mitigating the risk of vandalism and ensuring the facility’s sustainability and longevity.

The design featured a comprehensive ‘Changing Places’ hygiene suite with a hoist and shower, aiding those in need and their caregivers. This is currently the only fully accessible changing facility in Skegness outside of Butlins, enhancing town centre accessibility for the disabled community. The kitchen tearoom caters to dementia patients through reminiscence prompts and cognitive stimulation throughout the building. Additionally, the new café created local jobs, using Lincolnshire produce and suppliers, boosting the local economy.

The community has widely accepted the project, with bookings surpassing business case estimates by 250% and being utilised by 20 groups each week. Four full-time positions have been established to meet the requirements of those using the building.

In line with our social value and sustainability metrics, we collaborated with a local school, the town historical society, and the police to create a 100-year time capsule. We organised an on-site event with 90 schoolchildren to mark the occasion of its burial.

Recognised as a flagship project for Skegness Town Council, the facility received the award for best project in the Leisure category at the RICS Social Impact Awards.

Our inclusion in “The Good Councillor’s Guide to Community Business” highlights the importance of framework adoption and collaborative advantages.

Given Skegness's vulnerability to flooding as a coastal area, the implications of climate change on sea levels were critically evaluated. The project incorporated renewable energy sources wherever feasible, including solar photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and an air source heat pump, resulting in the building achieving an A rating on its EPC. The design also adopted a fabric-first approach, featuring high insulation levels and excellent air tightness.

Bat boxes were integrated into the building's structure using Accoya acetylated wood, an engineered timber known for its longevity and high performance while meeting both aesthetic and environmental standards. To protect local bat habitats, external lighting was managed through an ecological timer.

All soft landscaping was designed with native species to support local wildlife habitation. Furthermore, given Skegness's dependence on clean beaches and superior bathing waters, highlighted by the Blue Flag scheme, several new recycling bins were installed around the building and its gardens. Additionally, green waste from the café is composted by the council, ensuring sustainable waste management practices.