A UK town once named the worst seaside resort in Britain could be eyed by property investors due to a major infrastructure plan. Skegness in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, had once been highly popular getaway spot for families up and down the country, with Butlin's launching its first location in the North Sea community in 1936.

Despite being heavily bombed in World War 2, "Skeggy" remained a go-to spot for sunseekers who came to enjoy its expansive beach on the Lincolnshire coast and classic arcades. But over the years, visitor numbers dropped as more Britons started flying to mainland Europe for their holidays, and the town gained a reputation for being depressing and rundown.

In 2023, Skegness suffered a further blow when it ranked bottom of a Which? survey of the UK's top seaside towns, getting only a 48%-rating. It rose fifth from bottom the following year in another disappointing result.

The study ranked around 120 UK seaside towns, comparing factors like the seafront, noise levels, food and drink and shopping.

But locals have pushed back on the less-than-flattering depiction of Skegness in the press. YouTuber Neil Richardson, who owns a caravan in the town, previously told Express.co.uk: "Skegness hasn't always had the best reputation.

"A few years ago, it struggled and faced unfair criticism from tabloids and individuals who had never even visited. Yes, it went through a rough patch, but in the past six years, things have transformed.

"Now, when you stroll through Skegness, you'll find thriving shops, clean streets, and a vibrant atmosphere—unlike some other towns where boarded-up shops create a desolate feel."

Meanwhile, a planned £4billion road and rail link across The Wash promises to transform the town's economic prospects. The proposed 11-mile transport link would provide a direct connection between Lincolnshire and Norfolk, including a road, railway line, tidal barrage,  hydroelectric power plant, and offshore container port.

Some estate agents have suggested property prices rise as much as 30-40% if the plans, which have not yet been greenlit, come to pass.

According to property portal Rightmove, house prices in the town have an overall average of £199,198 over the last year, with detached properties selling for £254,739 on average, semi-detached for £179,924, and terraced properties for £149,737.

It means Skegness is still well below the average house price in the UK of £271,415, according to the UK House Price Index, but there are already some properties popping on the market for more than £1million.

The highest value property listed on Rightmove for Skegness is currently an eight-bedroom detached house on Mill Lane with a fishing lake, marketed with an asking price of £1.4million.

Another, advertised on PrimeLocation and also on Mill Lane, has a guide price of between £1m and £1.2million.

However, Skegness estate agent Geoff Short previously cast doubt on the possibility of high-value homes proliferating in the town.

Speaking to MailOnline: "I would love the Wash road to come to fruition – it would be hugely positive for Skegness but I'm sceptical as to whether it will ever get funded. It would be lovely to link Lincolnshire and Norfolk - but it's a relatively slow market in Lincolnshire as a whole.

"There's not many buyers right now - and high-end properties are anything over £300,000, £350,000. You can buy a massive house for £450,000, £550,000 with garages and the lot but they're still very slow to sell," he added.

James Sutcliffe, CEO of Centre Port Holdings Ltd, the company behind the proposed project, said in September it could be operational by 2031 though it was still “early days.”

The company has contacted the Planning Inspectorate regarding a Development Consent Order for the project, Mr Sutcliffe said.