Is £7.5m seaside centre a white elephant or tourism draw?

Residents of a seaside resort are divided on whether a £7.5m cultural hub is proving value for money almost a year on from opening.

The Seaview Colonnade, in Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire, was designed as a centre for events and tourism and replaced a 1950s structure.

East Lindsey District Council said the building was "active, well used" and had hosted more than 70 events.

But resident David Andrews, 72, described the centre as a "white elephant" and said some of the facilities were not open to the public, including a large roof terrace, which has been taped off because of wind damage to a door.

At present, the building houses a community and exhibition space, a cafe, ice cream kiosk and public toilets, but a restaurant included in the original designs has yet to materialise.

"It's the lack of facilities that were promised," Andrews said. "For that amount of money I expected more.

"It's a disappointment for the amount of money spent building it."

Another key part of the redevelopment, the Maple Leaf Paddling Pool, is currently closed due to issues with the pool tank.

The pool reopened last summer after a £500,000 revamp, but closed a short time later for repairs. Builders have been back on site to remove the top layer of concrete, but the area remains fenced off.

New tennis courts, beach huts and a play area are open, but a large area of the pleasure gardens next to the colonnade is fenced off.

Andrews added: "I just want it to be up and running properly, with access to all the facilities.

"It looks a mess when you arrive and you see this wasteland sitting opposite. We want Sutton on Sea to be a place that we're proud of."

Magna Vitae, which took over the management of the venue at the start of June, said it was "committed to realising its potential as a vibrant cultural and leisure destination".

The previous 1950s structure was demolished in 2021 after engineers found "significant structural issues".

The new development received £4.2m from the government-backed Mablethorpe Towns Fund, alongside further funding from East Lindsey District Council.

Building work on the new colonnade was delayed in 2024 over permit arrangements with the Environment Agency, which related to the sea defences, but it was eventually opened to the public in July 2025.

Residents Lorraine and John Hood, who were walking their dog on the promenade, believe the new centre is yet to realise its potential.

"I think there needs to be a lot more going on, a lot more happening," Lorraine said.

"It seems to have been a lot of money, for not a lot."

John added: "The design is good, but it should be used more. They should be using it properly, there should be more going on."

However, not everyone agrees.

Denise Wood, from Normanton, Derbyshire, visits the area every year and said she was impressed with the new building.

"We've just been inside and it's lovely. If it is used to its full advantage it will be beautiful," she said. "We're chuffed with it."

Lennie Watson, the owner of Watson Home Hardware, which is just off the seafront, said the venue was already attracting visitors to the resort.

"It's a great asset for the village and we've already had a lot of visitors come to the town with the intention to see what it's like," he said.

"I think it needs to be maximised to its full potential. There's a lot of potential to do more with it in terms of culture, arts and events."

The council said the development was "already boosting tourism and enhancing the destination offer for visitors and holidaymakers".

A spokesperson said: "The venue is active, well-used and delivering against its intended purpose of supporting tourism, community engagement and economic growth for Sutton on Sea.

"Since opening, more than 70 events, activities and exhibitions have taken place. Many of these have been multi-day events or recurring monthly programmes."

Magna Vitae added: "The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the genuine enthusiasm for what the colonnade has to offer.

"We look forward to delivering a high-quality, year-round programme that supports tourism, community engagement and economic growth for Sutton on Sea and the wider Lincolnshire coast."

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