Monthly Archive 28 November 2024

LEADING councillors from across North East Lincolnshire have visited Corporation Bridge to assess the progress of work to renovate the structure.

The work, which started in February 2022 and was initially expected to be completed within a year, has been extended to Summer next year following significant levels of deterioration being discovered on the structure.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Philip Jackson, and portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, were accompanied on the site by representatives of the various political groups that make up North East Lincolnshire Council: Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal Democrat), Cllr Sheldon Mill (Labour) and Cllr Steve Holland (Independent).

During the visit, which took place earlier this month, councillors heard from lead engineers about some of the sizeable repairs and complex work that has had to be undertaken to restore the bridge to its former glory.

Much of the work has now been completed, with only a small number of repairs outstanding as well as the redesign of the lifting span.

Next year will see the 100-year anniversary of the bridge being designed by Alfred C Gardner to help carry increasing traffic between East and West Marsh and the steadily expanding dock industries. The bridge was opened in 1928 by HRH The Prince of Wales. 

Coun Jackson said that the visit was important for politicians to see behind the scenes at the progress.

“It has been a valuable visit. It’s important that local councillors have the opportunity to see the work that’s going and talk to the engineers to understand the scale of some of the challenges that structures like this pose.

“Corporation Bridge isn’t just an important part of our road network. It’s also a valuable historic asset and a part of the fabric of our history, so I’m keen for us all to work together to get this done.”

Speaking after the visit, Councillor Stewart Swinburn said: “It has been good to get onsite with fellow councillors to see the work that has taken place and hear first hand from the engineers about what the challenges have been and how they’ve overcome these.

“I know that residents are anxious for the bridge to reopen quickly, and I share in that feeling, but we need to make sure that the work is done properly and that when it does reopen, the bridge is left in a good state that can be maintained in the future.”

A further update on the progress of the bridge works is expected in the New Year. To find out more about the work taking place to Corporation Road Bridge, visit https://investnel.co.uk/corporation-bridge- external site

Article and images from NELC.

A major housing development in North East Lincolnshire at the former Western School site is a step closer, with the completion of the land agreement with top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat.

The housebuilder will regenerate the 22.9 acre brownfield site, which will see a multi-million pound investment to create a community of around 318 properties, including potentially one to four bedroom houses, along with affordable housing and retirement dwellings.

The former school site was closed more than a decade ago due to falling numbers and an over provision of places, with pupils reallocated at the time to other schools in the area.

Funding to progress the site was obtained through the Homes England Accelerated Construction Programme, enabling North East Lincolnshire Council to prepare the site and complete key utility, site preparation and access works, as well as developing and securing the outline planning permission a few years ago.

This was followed by Keepmoat designing the transformation of the site and securing planning permission earlier this year, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.

The top 10 housebuilder is set to start on regenerating the site this week to deliver the 318 sustainable properties, which will be launched in winter 2026 – representing a £65 million investment to create the multi-tenure development.

Ben Hindley, Regional Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “It’s always an exciting time at Keepmoat when we’re able to commence construction on a new development, particularly when it leads to the provision of affordable housing to people who really need it.

“As one of the UK’s leading partnership housebuilders, building strong links with local authorities, communities and housing associations is crucial. We’re working closely with North East Lincolnshire Council and Ongo to develop the area and provide local people with a great place to live and work.

“The site is a great example of the public and private sectors working together, unlocking funding being obtained by the authority enabling the Council to obtain outline planning permission and complete key infrastructure. We look forward to obtaining planning permission and making a start on site.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “We want to boost the local economy, and provide good quality housing to do this – both for our existing population and for people who want to move to the area.

“For the good of the environment, using brownfield sites has to be our preference. The delivery of new and affordable homes, built in places that support sustainable growth of our communities is key. Alongside our plans for urban housing in the centre of Grimsby, this development will provide significant numbers of good quality, new accommodation in the borough for our residents.”

Keepmoat were also announced in September this year as the developers for the central town site in Grimsby, Alexandra Docks, which will see approximately 130 new homes and supporting commercial premises on the site.

Article and image from NELC.

A vision to create modern new homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby Town Centre is becoming a reality as leading UK developer Keepmoat starts initial survey work at Alexandra Dock.

From Monday, November 4, the company will be on site next to the Garth Lane bridge area to begin ‘trial pitting’ for two days – ground investigations to determine soil and ground conditions ahead of any building.

This comes ahead of public consultation and the submission of a planning application for around 130 homes on the 6.25-acre site. Keepmoat was awarded the build lease for the council-owned site earlier this year.

Initial support to get the scheme underway has come from the Grimsby Towns Fund, and Homes England.

The site itself sits behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone alongside the River Freshney and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and waterside walkway. It 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.

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “North East Lincolnshire must develop as a place where people want to live and work. If that does not happen, we risk stagnating as a borough. We’re committed to making sure that does not happen.

“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. We want people who work in our borough to also live here as this will maximise the economic benefits to the area.”

Article and image from NELC.