Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Photos reveal seaside shop’s transformation over 100 years

The store in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, first began trading as a fishmonger in 1908

Douglas Whitbread
Tuesday 24 May 2022 15:44 BST
Comments
Lottery funding has allowed the sprucing-up of historic details adorning the shop
Lottery funding has allowed the sprucing-up of historic details adorning the shop (North East Lincolnshire Council/SWNS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A new photo series shows the transformation of a shop in a British seaside town over the past 100 years.

The store in the coastal town of Cleethorpes in northeastern Lincolnshire first began trading as a fishmonger in 1908, where it was renowned for selling oysters.

Later, in the 1960s, it was reconfigured into a jewellery store, with an eye-catching bay window displaying various gemstones and rings.

The building is the central property of a block of six properties, 30-35 Alexandra Road, between Albert Street and Dolphin Street.
The building is the central property of a block of six properties, 30-35 Alexandra Road, between Albert Street and Dolphin Street. (North East Lincolnshire Council SWNS)

The newest occupier of the premises on Alexandra Road, just set back from the seafront promenade, is a Thai massage parlour and spa business.

But thanks to National Lottery Heritage Funding and private investment, the storefront has been restored and lost historical details have been given centre stage.

Current shop front
Current shop front (North East Lincolnshire Council SWNS)

These include new doors with fanlights, giving it an old fashioned feel, along with a false bay window front.

A ruby red paint scheme has also been added to the property after the heritage colour was identified through research conducted by the University of Lincoln last year.

Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The heritage and architectural details have been gathered for this project from early photographs and postcards as well as specific studies into the history of the road.

Current shop front
Current shop front (North East Lincolnshire Council SWNS)

“I’d like to thank everyone for getting behind this project and producing such a stunning transformation.”

The work, which took six months to complete, has been part of “Discover Cleethorpes Heritage” - a four-year Townscape Heritage programme launched in 2018.

The scheme is supported by £1.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1m from North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), with £900,000 in funding from property owners.

SWNS

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in