GMP masterminding redevelopment of historic pier
A major contract to transform the 142-year-old pier at Cleethorpes has been won by a Staffordshire firm.
Rugeley-based GMP Design has been drafted in to design and manage the £2.5 million project to breathe new life into the historic pier, which was built in 1873 at a cost of £8,000.
The GMP plans for the 335ft Victorian pier include a ballroom, a 500-seat theatre, a cocktail bar and a coffee shop.
The plans also include a high-end 100-seat restaurant for award-winning TV chef Nigel Smith, who is currently executive chef for Miele cookery schools.
After being opened by the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway (later LNER) in 1873, it was partially destroyed by fire in 1903. It was rebuilt and in 1936 sold to Cleethorpes Council.
In 1940 it was reduced from its original 1200 ft to 335 ft for defence reasons. The salvaged steelwork was used in the building of a new stand for Leicester City Football Club.
The pier was modernised again in 1968, but from then to the recent past had a chequered history, with several closures and re-openings and changes of ownership. In 2013 it was bought by a local businessman who plans to transform it into a community facility which will also provide employment.
As well as providing a leisure facility for tourists and local people, the revitalised pier will also be a wedding venue.
GMP Design, on the Towers Business Park, was established by Rugeley businessman Neil Morten 23 years ago. It has become one of the UK's leading bar, restaurant and club interior design companies, with major contracts throughout the UK, Europe and the Far East.
The company has worked on numerous concepts and venues around the world including the international rollout of the world famous Ministry of Sound nightclubs, with venues in Bangkok, Singapore, Egypt, London and Taiwan.
"This is a prestigious contract to transform a historic pier. The potential is enormous and we hope to turn it into a venue the town can be proud of once again," said Mr Morton.
