North East Lincolnshire Council’s campaign to fix run-down buildings in the town centre is proving successful as property owners join the rush to make improvements.
Plans to improve the street scene in the area began last October, focusing on the pedestrianised Victoria Street West area and surrounding streets.
Properties to have enjoyed a revamp include the former My Oriental Fusion property, in Town Hall Street, and The Body Shop, My Cigara, Pizza Hut, TSB, and Nationwide Building Society, all in Victoria Street.
Not only do improvements like these make a positive difference for businesses, by allowing the potential for attracting new customers, they also instill a sense of pride in the wider community. Smarter areas also tend to enjoy higher property values, while run-down areas often become beacons for criminality and antisocial behaviour.
The Tivoli Tavern, in Old Market Place, has undergone a schedule of works, making it a stand-out property close to the newly renovated St James’ Square. Manager Marie Moran, said:
“The tavern was built in the 1800s, although it hasn’t always been a pub. It’s listed and an important part of the town’s history. Keeping it in good shape helps to preserve it for future generations.”
Grimsby town centre is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration project that will see a major refurbishment of the town centre. A new cinema, market, housing development, youth facility, and revamped Riverhead are all a part of plans to invigorate the area.
Property owners inside of this improvement zone, and those in the surrounding area, are realising the potential these changes could bring, and are keen to follow this example with their own repairs and refurbs.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, commented:
“As we continue our ambitious plans to transform the Top Town and Riverhead areas, it is vital that property owners in the locality strive to improve their buildings to reflect Grimsby being a vibrant place to visit.
“Neglected buildings can spoil attitudes during this time of renewed enthusiasm across the community. Hopefully, as we see more property owners across the centre taking the opportunity to do repair work it will motivate others to do the same.”
A small number of unkempt and potentially dangerous properties were identified, with several other properties in need of minor works to bring them up to an acceptable standard.
Problems identified included cracked or missing render, rotting woodwork, missing or broken windows, flaking paintwork, shrubs growing in brickwork, missing gutters and drainpipes and vegetation in the gutters and on the roof.
The town centre project follows the success of a similar scheme to improve the street scene on the A180 between Riby Square in Grimsby and Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes. That scheme, known as Operation Gateway, saw improvements carried out at 130 buildings in the target area.
Grants available to bring properties back into use
There are several grant schemes available to help bring properties back into use and “activate” the town centre, which might cover, for example, temporary art installations to promote space, capital grants for non-essential works to bring alternative uses into buildings, and community led schemes.
If you’re interested in applying, there’s more information on the council’s website: www.nelincs.gov.uk and search for Activation Fund, or email enquiries@InvestNEL.co.uk for more information.
A vision to create modern, smart homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby’s town centre are taking a step forward.
Following discussions between North East Lincolnshire Council and Homes England, central Government funding has been agreed to allow investigative work to take place at Alexandra Dock.
This will centre on six-acres of council-owned land behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and walkway alongside the water.
Around two weeks of specialist contract work, which starts on Monday 3 July, will determine the land type and what is beneath the surface – essential investigations ahead of preparing the site further.
This area was earmarked for homes in Grimsby’s Town Centre Masterplan – cited as an ideal location given the water nearby and the improvements that have already taken place.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council with responsibilities for the economy, net zero, skills and housing, said: “The main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet.
“There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight. But we are working to improve the town centre as a whole and this is part of that vision. Step-by-step we want to change how our centre is used and enjoyed as a whole.”
Just last week OnSide celebrated the start of its redevelopment of the redundant West Haven Maltings into a state-of-the art Youth Zone and work continues to redevelop Riverhead Square. This comes on the back of the new Garth Lane bridge and pathways, the multi-million-pound Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme, and the redevelopment of St James’ Square and St James’ House – the latter is becoming an E-Factor Business Hub.
Planning has been granted for Projekt Renewable to land in Grimsby.
Supported by myenergi, RWE Renewables UK and the Town Deal, phase one of this ground-breaking scheme promises not only to celebrate the opportunities presented by sustainable energy production in the area and be a catalyst for the green economic regeneration of the town but also to bridge the gap between industry and community with a summer offering for everyone to enjoy.
With the aim of bringing together Grimsby’s celebrated small businesses this summer in a pop-up style programme of events, Projekt Renewable will ensure this hub of discovery is the centre of attention during the coast’s high season this year.
An immersive educational and cultural destination, Projekt Renewable will be landing – quite literally – in Alexandra Dock within a matter of weeks.
Projekt Director, Richard Askam, added: “It’s taken two years of hard work to get to this stage and now, over the next weeks, we’ll bring Phase One of Projekt Renewable to life. Designed to allow everyone to see and hear the opportunity that already exists in our area but is still largely hidden. It’s time to write the next chapter in Grimsby’s history, and that is as a world leader in renewable energy. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that has been involved and supported so far, especially Richard Dowson who has been instrumental in getting Projekt off the ground.”
North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “On behalf of everyone at the council, I would like to thank all the individuals and partners who have had the vision and determination to make Projekt Renewable a reality. The success of our young people will define North East Lincolnshire’s future and we need them to see the opportunities that are on their doorsteps and be inspired to take those opportunities. Projekt Renewable will do just that.”
The driving force behind the delivery of Projekt Renewable is WhiteCrate – the UK’s leading container architecture design and production company. Having successfully delivered many meanwhile projects, pushing the boundaries and perceptions of the humble shipping container and creating destinations and spaces, throughout the UK and Europe; including innovative markets in Altrincham and Wolverhampton, Hatch in Manchester and even the Fan Park at Liverpool FC. WhiteCrate is thrilled to be bringing its experience in destination regeneration n to Grimsby.
And while residents and visitors are being urged to soak up the summer programme, local music and pop-up food and drinks vendors that appear, Jon Flowerdew, Managing Directorat WhiteCrate Ltd, explains that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the goals, they have set for Projekt Renewable.
“WhiteCrate is incredibly proud to be delivering this transformative regeneration project in Grimsby, as we work together to create a vibrant new destination,” said Jon. “It is a testament to the vision and dedication of all involved that we are shaping a future where communities can thrive, and where Grimsby can shine a light on its thriving renewable energy industry and the opportunities it creates for the region and the UK.
“This project represents WhiteCrate’s commitment to revitalising urban spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a lasting legacy and destination that will benefit generations to come.”
The first step in a phased destination project, created to inspire young minds and the local community, the launch and summer programme are just the beginning of what will be an ever-evolving narrative.
Emma Brigginshaw, Head of Sustainability and Ethics at myenergi, commented: “At myenergi, we are focused on removing the barriers to a greener future. Our mission is a commitment to pioneering a simple transition to renewable energy, so we are passionate about showcasing the benefits of renewable energy and showing people how they can harness these benefits for themselves, to gain greater energy independence.
“We are proud to support Projekt Renewable, which will not only help educate and inspire future talent and the local community but thanks to its facilities, will be able to share this message with a much bigger audience nationwide.”
Guy Middleton, General Manager for the RWE Grimsby Hub, added: “As a founding patron of Projekt Renewable, we are delighted to have reached this important milestone for the project.
“Projekt Renewable is such an important resource for the local region and the wider renewables industry and we are so excited to be a part of it! It is vital that we can demonstrate what the renewables industry has to offer the younger generation and encourage them to consider roles in our industry if we are going to meet our net zero targets.”
Chloe McKeown, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mockingbird Street Food, said: “This project is something Mockingbird would love to wholeheartedly champion. A celebration of both Grimsby’s rich history and its exciting future within the renewable energy industry, we love the community focus at the core of Projekt Renewable. As a company, Mockingbird are fully committed to all things ‘Great Grimsby’ and it’s fantastic to see the plans in place to raise youth aspirations within Grimsby and beyond, which will without doubt inspire the next generation of very proud, successful Grimbarians.
“The message that Grimsby and its surrounding areas are cool and accessible, but also aspirational is something we try to regularly promote as part of our brand ethos, and something we are delighted that Projekt Renewable shares.”
The team and patrons supporting Projekt Renewable aim to bring emerging careers in renewables to life with an immersive experience that the community and schools can get deeply involved with. VR experiences and hands-on demonstrations of the jobs available in the Humber ‘energy estuary’ will be housed in the trio of containers, which will also function as workspaces for local businesses and creatives.
The Projekt team is also looking to launch their own Projekt-podcast utilising the on-site studio. Hosted by Richard Askam in the first instance, the podcast will shine a light on those already invested and working within the renewables sector and also showcase how the local community can create user-generated content, powerful in its own right, allowing the people to ‘own’ the space and connect with it on a deeper level.
Officially supported by the home-grown talent that is to be found at RWE Renewables UK, myenergi, North East Lincolnshire Council, the Crown Estate, WhiteCrate, Forrester Boyd, Wilkin Chapman, Knapton Wright, Docks Academy and Mockingbird, the collective vision is for Projekt Renewable to gain national significance.
With the ability to beam into primary and secondary schools and further and higher education establishments up and down the country, but starting with the local area, Projekt Renewable plans on using hand-picked experts in the purpose-built dedicated studio to create their own PRG Studio Content.
Bursting with relevant but exciting content and connecting with schools throughout the full academic year, Projekt Renewable will be bringing the renewables industry alive for school children and the younger generation, educating with purpose and creating UK homegrown talent and the next generation of renewable energy experts.
Grimsby’s young people have moved one step closer to walking through the doors of their state-of-the art OnSide Youth Zone, as the construction phase of Horizon Youth Zone has begun.
A special celebration event took place on the site of what will be the new Youth Zone located in Grimsby town centre in the former West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings. Key supporters then attended a reception at Docks Academy, joined by members of Horizon’s Young People’s Development Group who have played an integral role in the planning of the Youth Zone.
Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council which is contributing towards the Youth Zone as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal. Other key supporters include Historic England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ørsted, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, The Youth Investment Fund and private donors.
Expected to open in early 2025, the state-of-the-art youth centre will provide thousands of young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. It will be open to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just 50p a visit. Members will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, enterprise and employability suite.
Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private-sector led board, and once opened will be part of the OnSide Network of 14 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting over 50,000 young people annually. Recruitment for the dedicated staff and volunteers needed to run the Youth Zone has already begun, with the Youth Zone in the process of recruiting its Chief Executive.
Chair of the Board, Jason Stockwood said: “As Chair of Horizon and someone who grew up in Grimsby, I am so proud we have reached this incredible milestone. This is a momentous day for all involved in Horizon Youth Zone.Our Trustees, generous funders, Young People’s Development Group and supporters are collectively making our dream for Grimsby’s young people a reality. It has been a long time coming, but we are delighted with the progress being made and it won’t be long before Grimsby’s young people can see the heritage buildings transformed into a space which they truly deserve. I want to thank everyone who has led us to this moment, it wouldn’t be possible without your incredible support”
Cllr Philip Jackson, the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I speak on behalf of everyone at North East Lincolnshire Council when I say how delighted I am to see work starting to create what will be a wonderful centre for our young people.
“As an authority that has committed itself to building a stronger economy and stronger communities, it is vital that our adults of tomorrow are inspired to achieve, and to see there is opportunity for them here. Horizon will do just that and in doing so will help to create positive futures for many. That, in turn, will play a large part in improving the fortunes of North East Lincolnshire as a whole.
“We will also see a derelict and historically important building in our town centre reborn – supporting the wider regeneration of Grimsby Town Centre. I cannot wait to walk through the doors for the first time.”
Cllr Margaret Cracknell, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Education added: “Horizon, as the name suggests, will encourage our young people to reach beyond the horizons they currently see and strive to work towards living positive and enjoyable lives. There will be ambition too – to work with the great organisations that already support our young people and create a wealth of opportunity.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are extremely proud to be supporting this project and contributing to the important partnership work for heritage-led regeneration in Grimsby. It’s wonderful to think that, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, our investment will help create a new space in a fantastic heritage building, where local young people can come together to learn and develop skills for the future.”
Nick Temple, CEO for Social Investment Business, who are delivering the Youth Investment Fund said: “Every young person deserves access to high quality activities and facilities, providing the opportunities to help them thrive, and the Youth Investment Fund is making this vision a reality.
Horizon, OnSide’s Youth Zone in Grimsby was one of the first projects awarded a Youth Investment Fund grant, and once complete, it will reach up to 4000 young people. It’s hugely exciting to see that the project has entered its construction phase, developing this exciting new project designed for and by young people. It will give them new opportunities to develop skills for life and work, make connections, and have experiences that support their wellbeing.
This project in Grimsby is just one example of how the Youth Investment Fund is providing direct benefit to local communities and economies now, and also creating spaces and facilities for thousands of young people now and in the years ahead.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are extremely proud to be supporting this project and contributing to the important partnership work for heritage-led regeneration in Grimsby. It’s wonderful to think that, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, our investment will help create a new space in a fantastic heritage building, where local young people can come together to learn and develop skills for the future.”
Darren Ramshaw, Head of UK East Operations at Ørsted, said: “We are so proud to support such a fantastic development in Grimsby. Grimsby has been such a brilliant place to build the world’s largest offshore wind farms, and we’re just getting started! It’s so important to invest into the young people of the area to hopefully help them see the opportunities that are available. The work the Youth Zone will do is second to none, and today marks the start of a very exciting journey.”
Contractors Hobson and Porter have been selected to carry out the build. Preliminary works will take place over the next few months to prepare the ground and heritage-listed buildings ahead of the major build which will begin this summer. The Youth Zone is expected to open in early 2025. For further information, please visit: www.horizonyouthzone.org
Three key projects to regenerate the heart of Cleethorpes have been given the backing of the Council’s Cabinet at today’s meeting.
The projects all derive from the Masterplan for the area, chosen to be put forward for Levelling Up Funding as important strategic development locations, and deliverable within the timescales required by the fund.
The Masterplan was developed by Hemingway Design and agreed in 2022, in which local people had their say about the changes they wanted to see for the resort.
The Sea Road project, creating the landmark building on the former Waves site opposite the entrance to the historic pier, will now be developed to provide a new tourism destination. It will include state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality. This scheme received planning permission in 2020, but was work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic.
The Pier Gardens scheme will redevelop the existing linear park to incorporate various new activities, including elements that will make it more family orientated as well as quiet areas for reflection, whilst retaining its historic nature. The aspiration is to create an environment accessible for a wide range of users, which will provide activities for residents and visitors alike, whilst also increasing biodiversity within the resort.
The rejuvenation of Cleethorpes’ historic Market Square will add space for social interaction, reconnecting our busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. This scheme proposes major improvements to the square and reintroduction of a functioning historic marketplace.
The Cabinet voted unanimously to accept the Levelling Up Fund money from Government in order to take the three projects to the next stage.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said:
“Cleethorpes is already a thriving resort and these key projects in the heart of the resort will help to diversify the offer and extend the season, something we all want for Cleethorpes, both to support the local economy and local people.
“In terms of the other areas identified in the Masterplan, like North Prom and the Southern end of the resort, we will be looking for opportunities to bring these forward where we can, but more work needs to be done on these with landowners and other parties before we can put forward funding bids.”
The three schemes will now be developed further through the summer, including local engagement for the Pier Gardens and Market Place schemes in particular, while commercial operators are sought for the Sea Road scheme.
PEOPLE in North East Lincolnshire are being encouraged to air their views on future development across the borough during a series of public events later this year.
The area’s Local Plan is currently being updated and is the most important document of its kind when it comes to shaping what the area will look like between now and 2042. As part of that update people will have the chance to see the proposed review at a series of public events this autumn.
Every Local Authority must have a government approved Local Plan, which sets out the future vision, covering themes including the environment, the health and wellbeing of residents, access to work and job creation, meeting local housing need, and ensuring access to education for children and young people. Adopted plans are reviewed based on a five-year cycle. This authority’s latest Local Plan was approved in 2018.
At a North East Lincolnshire Council meeting this week, Cabinet members heard how a first ‘informal’ stage of the review had been completed. This had included public displays and consultation across the borough. A total of 641 views were recorded which included a range of comments including support for affordable homes, priority for brownfield development, green space protection and light pollution, village and heritage protection, and the importance of the green agenda, improvements to roads and vital services, and the regeneration of the town centre.
These views are being fed into further analysis ahead of the preparation of a draft Local Plan going out for full public consultation later this year.
Reflecting on how the updating of the Local Plan will progress, North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson said:
“The views of people who live in North East Lincolnshire, or who work here, or have a business interest here, are extremely important. Ideas that may not have been considered, suggestions, along with opportunity and challenge, is welcome as we look to support the development of a stronger and improved borough for us all.
“As we move forward, we want people to continue to be involved and to also understand just how important it is for future generations in particular, that we make the right choices with regard to both economic and domestic opportunities,” he said.
Cllr Jackson explained how industrial growth would also form an important part of the Plan. Figures already reported suggest how the low carbon and energy economy across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire is worth £1.2bn, with more than 12,000 people employed. Meanwhile it is predicted that the Humber Freeport development will be a driving force in the attraction of new industry in North East Lincolnshire.
“We are standing on the cusp of real and true opportunities here and we need to ensure we match the predicted business growth in other areas too. Our housing, schools, health, and green offers must live up to the expectations that young people and families have. This means developing with consideration – providing the right balance of new homes and improving our urban areas whilst enhancing the natural environment,” said Cllr Jackson.
He added how work currently on-going was already in-sync with issues that were likely to come up. This work included planned new primary schools in Scartho and Waltham, unique wildlife sites along the Humber bank to offset development, and an £800,000 investment into some of the 150 acres of green space in the borough, which includes 50 managed parks and open spaces. The successful Cleethorpes LUF bid will also see a significant environmental investment with the regeneration of Pier Gardens, revamped green and activity space, and improved biodiversity. And in Grimsby Town Centre the £20m successful LUF bid is supporting the new Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure development.
Details of where and when you can view and comment on the revised Local Plan will be widely published later this year. Please look out on Local Plan Review | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk) or any of the council’s social media channels.
Following a council decision on Thursday 25 May, the authority is carrying out a review of all Town/Parish Councils in North East Lincolnshire.
This will consider:
Creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes, including reviewing parish boundaries;
The naming and style of parishes (e.g., town/parish/village council);
The electoral arrangements for parishes (e.g., ordinary year of election; number of parish councillors; and parish warding);
Group or ungroup parishes.
The council is now inviting residents and other interested persons/organisations to submit their views on the current arrangements between 2 June and 28 July 2023. A second stage of consultation on any proposed changes to the current arrangements will be held between 8 September and 3 November 2023.
The council is also seeking views from residents and other interested persons/organisations on the frequency it should hold future council elections. The council currently elects its councillors by thirds (holding elections three out of every four years). The alternative is to hold all-out elections, whereby the council would hold elections for all councillors every four years. You can submit your views on this proposal between 2 June and 28 July 2023.
Meanwhile further information about both reviews can be viewed at www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting. You can also submit comments through this webpage, or write to the Elections Manager, North East Lincolnshire Council, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HU or email elections@nelincs.gov.uk during the consultation periods set out above.
