Tenders open for Cleethorpes’ giant palm tree

The White Palm proposal by Wolfgang Weileder for the sculpture for the North Promenade, was approved by planners earlier this year.

Now, North East Lincolnshire Council is seeking a specialist fabrication company to work with the artist on the detailed design and fabrication of the structure.

Following a successful pre-market consultation exercise, the tender for the fabrication has been released on the public sector procurement website, YorTender.

A spokesperson for the council said: “It is hoped that a company local to North East Lincolnshire will be able to apply to do the work.

“There has already been interest from at least one local firm, but others are encouraged to tender for the work.”

If there are any construction companies who would like to tender for the project and need assistance with the procurement process they should contact cleethorpesregeneration@nelincs.gov.uk

The proposed artwork consists of a 22-metre white artificial palm tree and paving that references its shadow at noon.

The shadow paving underneath The White Palm will be partly made from recycled non-organic material collected from Cleethorpes’ beach. At night, The White Palm will be illuminated.

The appointed provider will be expected to work closely with the artist and the structural engineer to develop the detailed design and deliver the project.

The White Palm is part of the North Prom public art project, funded through the Coastal Communities Fund, secured by CoastNEL and North East Lincolnshire Council.

The tender is available on www.yortender.co.uk, reference DN492878. The tender closes on Monday, September 7 at 1pm.