Historic Cleethorpes Cafe to Undergo Full Restoration

A structure dating back 150 years is set to undergo a complete restoration after securing necessary funding. The Mermaid Cafe, established in 1847, forms part of the designated historic buildings at Cleethorpes Railway Station and has not seen renovation work for a number of years. Nevertheless, it will now obtain financial support to undertake repairs on its characteristic wood and ironwork, thanks to contributions from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Railway Trust. Leaseholders Charles Crawford and Craig Brown expressed their satisfaction at obtaining the funding, stating they “can’t wait to see what the building will look like when restored”. Situated on the North Prom sea front, the structure was originally erected as a waiting room for the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. Plans include repainting it in the original company colours. The initiative involves conservation efforts on the building’s Victorian cast-iron framework, alongside comprehensive restoration and preservation of its timber components. Additionally, the structure will receive a new roof, and its cast-iron gutters and downpipes will be substituted. Tim Hedley-Jones, representing The Railway Trust, conveyed his pleasure at “working collaboratively with both the leaseholders and the council” to rejuvenate a historic railway edifice. Councillor Philip Jackson, who leads North East Lincolnshire Council, stated he was “really pleased to see this particular building come forward as part of the Townscape Heritage Project”. He further remarked: “It’s one of the key buildings that people see as they arrive in Cleethorpes on the train, and to have it restored to its former glory will be wonderful.” The undertaking will be executed by CAG, a firm that has previously finished heritage projects in other parts of the resort. Planning approval for the project has already been granted, and preliminary interior work has commenced, with hoardings now erected around the structure and the ironwork slated for removal prior to Christmas. The principal phase of work is scheduled to begin in the new year, with an anticipated completion date before summer 2025.