Sheringham Promenade Improvements
Since 2019 I have undertaken seafront audits with John Roseby Chair of the Chamber of Trade and now Experience Sheringham. This has been in my role as District Cllr for Sheringham North and also Chair of the Town Centre Development Group. Cllr Colin Heinink has also supported with this as well. From this process a programme of work has been established to improve the standard of the promenade areas.
Prior to 2019 under the previous NNDC administration there had been little maintenance work completed for many years and a complete lack of interest and investment in what is probably the most important asset in Sheringham.
NNDC have supported us in this programme and realising the amount of work to be done developed a Small Works Contract to achieve this. Despite Covid much of this work has continued albeit slower than we would all liked.
Currently work is underway for the repainting of the shelters and viewing platform on the West Prom and the railings down from Marble Arch. This is not a long term solution we are aware of that but a replacement programme comes with many difficulties to be addressed and considerable expense for funding, which will need to be developed over time. What is important is that this Edwardian entrance to our Prom is kept looking good in the interim.
The 100k renovation of the chalets has also been completed and this area is looking much more attractive.
It was hoped to have the renovation of the Marble Arch toilets complete and the addition of a Changing places facility. However there have been delays with funding for changing places and with the massive increase in cost of building materials the tenders have had to be issued on this. This process is now well underway and hopefully will move forward quickly.
The introduction of the Beach Wheelchairs has also been a welcome addition to our West Prom and given many people access to our wonderful beach who otherwise would have to watch from afar
With the development and updating of businesses on the front such as Trendies, Guac and Mole the Sup Shack Whelk Coppers, the Offshore Coffee house and East Beach Coffee plus our old favourites Tidal Wave and Submarine I believe the prom is looking far more loved, dynamic and a really positive asset for Sheringham’s residents and visitors to enjoy.
Work is not complete yet and you have my assurance that efforts will continue to progress improvements further and ensure the regular maintenance is not let slip.
NNDC Lamposts painted (3 remaining to be completed shortly )
East Beach Lights replaced
West Beach lights repaired
Beach road lights repaired
Driftway access point repaired
The Tank with an installation Deep History Coast Information point and renovation
A full repaint of the shelters 1. Bandstand and near the wee retreat- repeated in 2020 and 2 the shelter by Wee Retreat.
Replacement benches for those broken additional log benches on the West Prom from recyled planks from the slip way -East beach
Relining of the boating lake and concrete surround repaired – leak resolved
boating lake shelter completely renovated plus roof but no glass due to likelihood of being smashed
Repairs to all steps and addition of yellow contrast strips for dementia accessibility and safety
Redesign of the bottom of the steps and additional hand rails near the Crown to prevent falls
Redesign of the top of steps near the Wee Retreat to allow for an accessible view point at the top of the steps
Benches x4 replaced on the Gangway (near the Wee Retreat Steps)
Doors on all the taps and water access points for hygiene
Repairs to the gaps in the concrete on the prom – needs replacing again
Removal of the dilapidated and unsafe Beach Inspector Hut – replaced with an additional beach hut location
Emergency phones and life belts relocated
Art panels installed at Tidal Wave
Chalet Renovation
Diseased hedge replacement at the Leas
Replacement recycling point at Marble /Arch
Additional bins on the proms and Big Belly bins in 3 locations
Regular jetting of the steps and slipway in the season
Renovation of the Lushers Passage toilets
Repairs to the sewerage pipe from Wee Retreat to the Tank