Category Archive News

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.

Article from NELC.

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 Director at 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.

Article and image from NELC.

Council leader Philip Jackson has welcomed a report highlighting many strengths within the organisation.

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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

Article and image from NELC.

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.

Article and image from NELC.

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.

To take part in either consultation please go to Have your say | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)

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.

Article and image from NELC.

A primary school in Grimsby is set to open some new school places offering specialist support to children with additional needs.

Littlecoates Primary Academy, part of Wellspring Academy Trust, is working with North East Lincolnshire Council to launch the new 12-place provision from September, specifically for children with communication and interaction needs.

The new provision – called Launch Pad – will be the first of its type in North East Lincolnshire, and will be specially designed to be a ‘turnaround provision’ for early years children and those in Key Stage 1 (aged 4, 5 and 6).

Turnaround provision is aimed at those children who have low level additional needs, where some short-term support can help them to adjust to mainstream school.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the move:

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to work with the team at Littlecoates Primary and the wider Wellspring Academy Trust to make this a reality, and would like to thank them for their support with this initiative. This is the first of its kind in our area.

“Launch Pad is by no means a catch-all solution. Launch Pad will be a very small, focussed provision that can make a difference, over time, to a good number of students.

“There are a lot of children in our area who have some additional needs, but can continue successfully in a mainstream school provided that they receive some targeted support at a key point in their education journey.”

Neville Wilkinson, Principal at Littlecoates Primary, added: “At Littlecoates, our philosophy is all about creating an inclusive, innovative and exciting school environment where every child can learn, play and achieve together. The new Launch Pad initiative fits with that ethos perfectly and we’re looking forward to playing an important role in supporting more children with SEND and enabling them to stay in mainstream settings. Specialist support is essential in helping children with additional needs meet their potential and enjoy their school life. This new specialist service is going to be a fantastic asset for the whole community.”

North East Lincolnshire SEND team will manage admissions to this provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) via annual reviews of EHCPs. Parents and Professionals are advised not to contact the setting directly at this moment in time due to ongoing building works and mobilisation of this provision.

There will be opportunities to see the provision via the school and SEND Local offer website, as well as open days during the summer term.

Article and image from NELC.

SCARTHO Ward Councillor, Ian Lindley, has been sworn in as Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire during a special ceremony late last week.

The Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Ian Lindley, was elected following his term as Deputy Mayor from May 2022 to May 2023.

The Mayor has appointed Mrs Helen Lindley as his Mayoress.

Outgoing Mayor and Ward Councillor for the East Marsh, Councillor Steve Beasant, was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor of North East Lincolnshire during the same Special Council Meeting. Mrs Carol Beasant has been appointed as his Deputy Mayoress.

Dignitaries, Councillors, members of the local community, friends and family members gathered at the Mayor Making ceremony on Thursday 18^th May 2023 to witness the election of the new Mayor and the exchanging of the official chains of office.

The Mayor is the first citizen of North East Lincolnshire and undertakes an important ceremonial role in and outside of the borough.

Shortly after being elected to the role, Councillor Ian Lindley expressed his joy and gratitude for the nomination:

“I’m incredibly grateful to Councillor Shepherd for his nomination and to my fellow Councillors for electing me.

“I first came to Grimsby during the early 1990s with work, and have stayed ever since. I am really passionate about this place and its people and I look forward to spending my Mayoral year getting out and meeting people in our community.”

Born in Nottingham, Cllr Lindley came to Grimsby on a 3-week contract as an Operating Department Practitioner in the 1990s and stayed on to continue working at the Diana Princess of Wales hospital.

Councillor Lindley has represented Scartho Ward since 2015.

The Mayor is not directly elected by the people and therefore holds no direct power. They are politically neutral in carrying out their Mayoral duties, and act as the Chair of Council meetings.

His Mayoral Year will run until May 2024, when a new Mayor will be elected. Councillor Lindley has chose Sunflowers Children’s Action Group and the Pink Rose Suite at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital as his Mayoral charities, and will be undertaking fundraising activities throughout his Mayoral year for these causes.

Article and images from NELC.