One of Grimsby’s most important historical areas is set to be transformed – and the people of the town are being asked for their help in shaping its future.
North East Lincolnshire Council will launch an engagement exercise this month asking the public’s views on improving the connection between Riverhead Square and Alexandra Dock including an exciting new footbridge and improved public open space.
Funding from the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (HLEP) and The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is being sought to support delivery of the project.
Project managers would like to get local people involved in shaping designs for this historic part of Grimsby town centre.
Entrenched in folklore, The Haven is where Grim, the founder of Grimsby, is said to have landed, after saving the infant Prince Havelock of Denmark.
There is evidence of Anglo-Saxon settlements and shipbuilding in the area and the area was also the site of Collinson’s boatyard where the historic trawler Esther was constructed.
The Town Deal aims to reconnect Grimsby town centre with its waterfront and this project will be an exciting first step towards that goal. There are exciting plans for the Garth Lane site and West Haven Maltings, including the proposed Youth Zone, and this project will enhance the connection from the Riverhead.
Initial ideas include a wider footbridge with new artwork, public areas, lighting and seating. New landscaping will be created from the bridge down to the river basin and work to improve the water quality and protect wildlife will be included in the scheme.
A council spokesperson said: “As a main link between the town centre and the waterfront area of Alexandra Dock and onto Victoria Mills, the importance of improving access for pedestrians is a priority and the work planned will make sure this is the case. We look forward to seeing something very special created here.”
The public engagement materials will be made available from the InvestNEL website with the necessary planning and preparatory actions following so work can start in late spring 2020.
Text and photo of Councillors John Fenty and Stewart Swinburn from NELC.
About the author