Paving with insets reminding people of Grimsby’s proud heritage and exciting renewables’ future will be laid in the Garth Lane area as part of its £3.5m transformation.
Landscaping is also due to be carried out next month as part of the whole project, which has been made possible thanks to grant funding ringfenced for this scheme only. Trees and wildflowers creating a strong focal point and complementing the rest of the scheme will be planted and once that is complete the carved fish benches will be put into position and the concrete tiered seating will have been clad with granite.
The new 5-metre wide and 35-metre-long footbridge that will cross the River Freshney is now in Scunthorpe, where it is being painted ready for its arrival in Grimsby. The expected completion date for the whole project is towards the end of April when the bridge will be fully fitted, and the main long-term pedestrian diversion removed.
The second pathway closure in the immediate area of the bridge site along Frederick Ward Way will be removed later this month, once all the work for the new structure’s installation is complete – meaning another planned closure will not be necessary. People are reminded to use the proper diversions as signposted.
Meanwhile, the paving that leads from the Fishermen’s Wharf side of the new bridge to the pumping station will feature turbine blades that will run across its width. They will be inset with three different circular images. These will show the town’s traditional seal depicting the legend of Grim and Havelok; Grimsby’s last wooden fishing smack, The Esther; and a Viking shield incorporating European eels that would have been caught in the river for food in the middle ages and have recently returned to the waters.
The trees being planted include willow trees, a coastal friendly Dutch Elm called Ulmas Lobel and Stone pines, which will create a large structural landscape feature.
Looking forward to seeing the finished result, North East Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “We could not be more pleased with how this is looking so far and with the other major improvements we are currently planning for the town centre, Grimsby is going to look very different in the months and years ahead. A true regeneration in our town’s heart.”
The Garth Lane work, which is being managed by the council’s regeneration partner ENGIE, is supported by £1.3m secured by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership from the Local Growth Fund as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. Further support has come from The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with funding released as a result of the Grimsby Town Deal.
Article and images from NELC.
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