by John Prince
Half an acre of prime land right on Hornsea seafront could be developed as a new leisure attraction after East Riding Council put part of Grainger’s Field up for lease.
The council is inviting businesses and investors to come forward with proposals for the prominent site, which has long been used for recreation and community activities.
A “To Let” sign has already gone up this week.
The land, covering 0.56 acres (2,272 sq m), lies at the junction of Sands Lane and South Promenade, between the public car park and the wave sculpture close to Hornsea Hub.
The council says it wants a “high-quality leisure development” that would enhance the town’s appeal to residents and visitors but has not specified what type of attraction it would like to see.
Instead, interested parties are being encouraged to put forward their own ideas, with the council looking at proposals on their suitability for the location, and long-term financial viability.
However, the move raises questions about the future use of a well-known open space that has provided a setting for outdoor entertainment, fairs and community activities over many years.
Grainger’s Field is an established public recreational space and has regularly hosted visiting fairs as well as East Riding Council’s Active Coast programme, including the popular Have a Field Day events.
The field has also been used for football, tag rugby and other organised sessions as well as for dog walking and picnics and other leisure activities by residents and visitors alike.
It forms part of Hornsea’s wider seafront, which has a long history as a destination.
During the early 20th century, the town’s south promenade was progressively extended, with new sea defences, attractions and public facilities helping to establish the area for holidaymakers.
It also famously once had a purpose-built boating lake behind the south sea wall, providing another attraction for the town’s growing number of tourists.
The latest proposal could bring a big change to the seafront, although no development scheme has yet been agreed.
East Riding Council said Hornsea had benefited from recent investment in the seafront such as the Hornsea Hub and added: “The council would welcome innovative proposals that will add to the visitor and resident offer and compliment existing facilities.”
The field however has experienced flooding after heavy rain in the past, sometimes leaving large areas covered by standing water.
The site’s drainage and ground conditions could be among the considerations for any future development, although the council does not identify any specific flood-related restrictions.
North Holderness ward councillor Barbara Jefferson echoed East Riding Council’s desire to boost the resort’s leisure offering, saying: “We are doing this with some of our assets, but clearly for Hornsea we are trying to get attractions to help the footfall, entertainment-wise.”
There have been mixed views from people in Hornsea.
Gill Briggs, who lives in a flat directly opposite the site, said: “You buy these flats for the view really. You don’t want them building on it.
“If it spoils the view, it will spoil everything. I wouldn’t like to see anything on there.
“It’s well-used. Children play football on there. People picnic on it. We have the fair in August. It’s a shame. Another boating lake would be nice though.”
John and Hazel Robinson, who were visiting from Wakefield, said: “It’s all open and it’s good for older people, but there’s nothing there.
“For a seaside town, it needs more on the seafront and more things to do for people visiting, because they go elsewhere like Bridlington.
“They don’t want houses building on there. Somewhere maybe for the kids to go. A little cinema might be nice to get them out of the house. It could bring jobs in.”
Scott, from Leicester, who was taking his family to the amusements just next to the field, said: “It would be good for the community.
“It’ll bring money into the town. A play area for children might be a good idea. There’s not much to do on Hornsea seafront.”
The site falls within an area designated for seafront development under the East Riding Local Plan, which supports tourism and recreation uses that take advantage of a coastal location.
Planning policy encourages attractions capable of operating throughout the year and in all weather, rather than relying solely on summer visitors.
The council has not fixed the precise boundaries of the land to be leased, saying these could change depending on the nature and requirements of the proposals received.
The site is being offered on negotiable leasehold terms rather than sold outright, with no guide rent or preferred lease length specified.
Prospective tenants will need to obtain any necessary planning permission and licences, and there are currently no connections to utilities or other services.
Anyone interested must submit an expression of interest accompanied by an outline business plan, explaining the proposed development and demonstrating that it would be appropriate for the seafront location.
The council could seek further information from shortlisted applicants or invite a final round of sealed bids before reaching a decision.
The deadline for expressions of interest is noon on Wednesday, November 25.
Further information is available from Nina Mitchell in the council’s valuation and estates team on 01482 393931 or [email protected], or visit tinyurl.com/3p2u395x.
