Yearly Archive 12 March 2025

The next step towards the complete transformation of Grimsby Town Centre’s Alexandra Dock area is being taken.

Following approval at a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet, initial work will begin to look at an overall vision for the waterside land and how it could be redeveloped.

This will focus on the potential to transform brownfield areas in and around Alexandra Dock. This investigative work will run alongside a refresh of the town centre masterplan, and a look at the current infrastructure in the area – including the highways and public transport.

In a report to Cabinet members, it was outlined how funding of up to £500,000 is potentially available from Homes England and MHCLG , (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) over the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26.

If the council was successful in securing some of that funding, it would be used to support the progression of plans.  Fuller details would be outlined in future Cabinet papers, adds the report.

It goes on to highlight how this redevelopment, as well as changes that have taken place, or are in progress, are in line with ideas outlined in the Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan. The current plan, which will now be refreshed and updated, was the basis for multi-million funding bids to Government, which were successful and have supported the work so far.

This has included the new Garth Lane bridge leading to the redesigned walkways, grass areas and river embankments, the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone, and the plans for 123 new homes on land bought by the council.

There’s also the Freshney Place Leisure, Foodhall and Market scheme, the new-look Riverhead Square, E-Factor’s redevelopment of St James’ House, the work on St James’ Square and visual improvements to Victoria Street.

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, whose portfolio includes regeneration, said after the meeting: “Giving people reasons to visit, live in and enjoy our town centre means it must diversify and we are making great strides in doing just that.

“We must now continue on this transformation path, and this is the next step that can be taken with the support of partners and those around us.”

Article and image from NELC.

Just take a look at what Grimsby’s new Community Diagnostic Centre, (CDC) has to offer residents across North East Lincolnshire.

Due to open for appointments later this month in Freshney Place, it is set to offer around 120,000 appointments every year – cutting waiting times for tests in a convenient town centre location.

CDCs are being pioneered across the country to provide diagnostic tests, such as scans and health checks – reducing pressures on hospitals across the country. Healthcare providers from across this region have been involved in the scoping and development of CDCs both in Grimsby and Scunthorpe – ensuring that they prioritise the pathways that will benefit local communities the most, based on need.

Essentially too, for Grimsby Town Centre, the new £10-million CDC will increase footfall and add to the diversification of Freshney Place into a centre that is a hub for the community – complementing the retail offer.

This new CDC is opening as work progresses on the £50million Freshney Place Leisure, Food Hall and Market Scheme at the western end of the centre – offering a new cinema, and leisure outlets, along with the new food hall and market offer. A temporary market will be opening near the Riverhead Square entrance to the centre later this year.

There is also the new E-Factor Business Hub in St James’ House, the OnSide Horizon Youth Zone at Alexandra Dock and the plans for 123 new homes on the neighbouring brownfield site.

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, whose portfolio includes regeneration, said after touring the CDC: “This is an absolutely fantastic facility for the residents of North East Lincolnshire. This will not only provide facilities for 120,000 appointments a year but will also see increased footfall into Freshney Place.

“This is all part of the re-purposing of the town centre, and I am delighted to see this nearing completion for an opening later this month.”

Freshney Place centre director, Amanda Austin, added: “It is a great thing for the residents of North East Lincolnshire. Freshney Place has been at the heart of the community here for decades, and this represents how we are moving forward to offer something different for our customers.”

Article, video and image from NELC.

Local powers and investment to support business, up-skill people, and improve highways and housing are key priorities of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, (GLCCA).

Leaders of the three lead local authorities – Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities – spoke of their ambitions for the future as they marked the first meeting of the GLCCA.

Cllrs Martin Hill OBE, Rob Waltham MBE and Philip Jackson – all members of the GLCCA board – were addressing an audience of business leaders and representatives from local communities, MPs and colleagues following the inaugural meeting, which was held at Lincoln Cathedral today, (Thursday 6 March).

They talked of the real possibilities that now exist across the whole of the Greater Lincolnshire footprint with a Mayor, to be elected on May 1, chairing an authority that can work to effect positive change.

Giving an overview of the positive work that will begin in earnest by the GLCCA, Lincolnshire County Council Leader, Cllr Martin Hill said: “We’re now starting a new era in Greater Lincolnshire – erasing boundaries as we continue to strive to get the best for our residents and businesses.

“Connecting companies, organisations and decision makers is key to making the most of these new powers and funding we have from the government. Our area contributes significantly to the nation, and this deserves to be recognised – whether it’s our contribution to defence, food security or logistics. Being able to boost these areas not only benefits Greater Lincolnshire, but the whole country.”

Cllr Philip Jackson spoke of the ‘economic powerhouse’ sectors of decarbonisation, offshore wind turbines, food processing, and ports and logistics and how the GLCCA can work with all business to enable and support continued growth.

He said: “Over the last decade we have once again seen the great benefits of our position along the south bank of the Humber estuary, with regional, national and world-leading organisations creating opportunity and growth. As one of the GLCCA’s key priorities states, now is the time we can work to further turbo charge that growth for the benefit of all within Greater Lincolnshire.”

Cllr Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire, added: “I’m proud to have been part of the negotiations that lead to this historic moment, which marks the beginning of a new era for Lincolnshire.

“Devolution means we can make decisions locally and focus on the needs and ambitious of our communities, not be dictated by London.

“The new mayoral authority will invest in skills to prepare young people for the world of work, transport to improve connectivity and business growth to create more better paid jobs for our local residents and this is just the start. I’m looking forward to working with communities across the region to build a stronger, more prosperous Greater Lincolnshire.”

During the first meeting, the representatives from councils across the Greater Lincolnshire footprint were elected to the GLCCA board in line with the governance arrangements agreed with the government and a number of papers were considered, again adhering to governance and statutory requirements.

You can find out more about the GLCCA, including the agenda and reports for the first meeting on the new website www.greaterlincolnshire-cca.gov.uk- external site  Minutes of the first meeting will also be posted there in due course.

Article and image from NELC.

The Riverhead Square renovation was substantially completed last year and has been well used since, with people choosing to spend time there as well as hosting Christmas and food events.

As previously reported, some minor works were left outstanding. Works to electricity connections require upgrading to allow power to be delivered to the main feed, but Northern Power Grid has been unable to do the work until now. This will involve some disruption on site, with small areas taken out of use to form safe working areas over a 5 week period.

After this a small amount of snagging works will be completed by the main contractor for a further 4 weeks which will make good all areas and also bond loose stones that are being removed by anti-social behaviour from the planted areas.

Once this is in place, it means that events and markets will be able to use the power boxes installed around the square rather than having to hire in generators.

Article and image from NELC.

The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, has welcomed news of a funding boost of up to £20 million for Grimsby, saying it will support the authority’s ambition to build a stronger economy and stronger communities.

The Government has announced that Yorkshire and the Humber will receive a £180 million share of a total of £1.5 billion which will be invested across the UK to’ foster stronger, better connected and healthier communities’. 

The money will support its new ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’ with 75 communities selected to bring residents and businesses together to decide how best to spend the money in their areas. Grimsby is one of the nine towns selected across Yorkshire and the Humber, getting up to £20 million.

Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “This is great news and we warmly welcome this funding as we look to deliver our ambition across North East Lincolnshire of building a stronger economy and stronger communities.

“As we say in our new Council Plan, we cannot effect positive change alone but working with our partners we can move forward to improve lives for children, adults and families. Our ambition in this respect reflects the aims set out in this new Plan for Neighbourhoods and we look forward to working together with others in the coming months to look at the very best investment for this extra funding in Grimsby,” he added.

Once established, individual neighbourhood boards in each of the areas will decide how to use the funding and support – they can choose from options ranging from repairs to pavements and high streets, to setting up low-cost community grocers providing low-cost alternatives when shopping for essentials, as well as co-operatives or even neighbourhood watches.  

 Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner MP said: “Communities across the UK have so much to offer – rich cultural capital, unique heritage but most of all, an understanding of their own neighbourhood. 

“Our fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods puts local people in the driving seat of their potential, having control of where the Whitehall cash goes – what issues they want to tackle, where they want to regenerate and what growth they want to turbocharge.” 

Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris MP, added: “When our local neighbourhoods thrive, the rest of the country thrives too. That’s why we are empowering communities to take control of their futures and create the regeneration and growth they want to see.”

Article and image from NELC.

After a successful development grant application at the end of 2024, the Council have been awarded over £400,000 to help North East Lincolnshire get more active.

Sport England announced the £401,159 grant for North East Lincolnshire as part of their £250 million round of funding for 53 areas across England.

This investment will build upon the foundations across the borough that are essential in ensuring everyone can be physically active.

It will support the delivery of the Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, supporting residents to lead more physically active lives.

The strategy was developed to align with Sport England’s wider national strategy “Uniting the Movement” that recognises the need to focus investment and resources on the communities that need it most.

Specifically, this is about building the movement from the ground up by working with organisations and communities to understand the issues and barriers facing people to get active, and working together to develop local solutions.

This will include:

• Supporting work around sport and physical activity in North East Lincolnshire
• Providing capacity to develop a larger funding application to Sport England in 2026/27
• Funding for a range of collaborative and partnership work within the local sector

Sport and physical activity is also essential for a healthy lifestyle in children and young people. This investment aims to support, increase opportunities and reduce barriers for children and young people locally to be active in North East Lincolnshire.

Active travel, encompassed by the Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, not only increases physical activity, but also links into the aims of a Greener Future. Additionally, this grant enables us to explore local initiatives to encourage more sustainable ways of travel that benefit people’s physical health as well as the wider environment.

Ultimately, this portion of funding provides a multitude of benefits for both the residents and the borough as the Council work towards improving the lives and wellbeing of North East Lincolnshire.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage, and the Visitor Economy, said: “This is great news for our residents and the borough in general.

“We’re dedicated to providing a borough that has both the means and the drive to help people be more physically active.

“We’re looking forward to working with various community groups to see how the funding can be best used and watching the area develop as we progress.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England’s Executive Director for Place, said: “We are proud to announce our partnerships with 53 new places in every corner of the country today.

“We know that where someone lives plays a huge part in how active, or not, they will be. Through our Place Expansion programme, we will work with local partners and communities to break down the barriers to physical activity so that everyone has equal access to a more active life. “We are excited to see what we can achieve together in North East Lincolnshire.”

Article and image from NELC.

The Government-funded Pier Gardens project in Cleethorpes has reached another milestone today, with the release of the tender for the works to the market.

Since the outline designs were approved last year, work has been ongoing in the background to take that design and refine it for release to the market.

The latest designs show an array of different zones in the Gardens – from a small park for the skate community at the northern end, through water and woodland play zones in the middle to a quieter, more serene and contemplative area towards the Armed Forces Remembrance gardens.

Input from local people have helped to shape the designs and some of the features in the gardens – from the inclusion of public art throughout the scheme to practical things like public footwashes and bicycle repair stations!

The local skate community were also involved in developing the skate area alongside international specialists, Betong Park, with all sorts of different elements included in the design.

A tender has been released to the market today looking for construction companies who are interested in the redevelopment of the Gardens.

There are two lots of work – one to do the overall Pier Gardens renovation, including the landscaping and planting, as well as creating the different zones across the site; the second lot is specifically to create the skate area at the northern end of the site. Separate tenders will be released for the play structures and public art at a future stage following the application for necessary planning permissions.

As part of the tender, detailed planting plans have been included for the gardens that bring in planting suitable for marine environments as well as new trees to envelop the site.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This really feels like it’s moving on apace now. We know that the work is likely to take about a year or so to transform the gardens, so we’re working with events organisers already who use the gardens through the summer – we can’t do this project without disrupting one summer season.

“The centre of Cleethorpes will look very different in the next few years, with the projects, funded by Government, being delivered alongside the work being done to restore heritage balconies, key buildings like the Mermaid and the Dolphin and work being done by partners in other areas of the town.

“I can’t wait to see it all start to come together.”

The tender is available on www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk- external site , and search for “Cleethorpes Pier Gardens”, or YorTender (yortender.eu-supply.com) reference 96246.

Article and image from NELC.

Members of North East Lincolnshire Council have supported the authority’s Budget, Finance and Business Plan for the financial year starting on April 1, 2025.

A key detail recommended and approved at last night’s Council meeting was a core Council Tax increase of 1.98% and the application of a 2% Adult Social Care precept.

The overall proposed plan reflects the aims and objects set out in the new Council Plan, which will come into effect from April 1. This puts a ‘Stronger Economy’, ‘Stronger Communities’ and ‘Greener Futures’ at the heart of the authority’s vision.

Priorities to achieving this vision are outlined and include:

• The continued transformation of Children’s Services. The plan details how current work is having a ‘positive impact on outcomes for our children and young people, as well as supporting financial sustainability’.
• Again, with a focus on transformation, attention will be put on Adult Social Care where innovative solutions will be explored. This will help to meet an increase in demand and complexity of care.
• Continuing with a ‘commercial approach’ to grow a strong and sustainable economy. It details how major investments, such as the redevelopment of Freshney Place, are progressing and will support the borough at a time of economic challenge.
• A pledge to ensure the capital programme is reviewed regularly to ensure schemes remain viable. This approach, adds the report, will help ensure plans remain ‘affordable, sustainable and prudent’.

An additional recommendation to the proposed budget was approved as part of the process, the result of a recommendation from a recent scrutiny committee, which allocates an additional £150,000 a year for two years to the public health budget to help tackle key health priorities.

During the meeting, “Operation Clean and Green” was put forward as an amendment to the budget, which was supported unanimously. This project will pilot a community initiative for one year to target a range of initiatives, including enhancing street cleaning and the bulky waste collection service.

The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, says: “Here in North East Lincolnshire we are entering 2025 with much change in the years ahead as we remain committed to improving our towns, supporting business growth and offering our people more opportunities to live independent, healthier and better lives.”

Cllr Jackson emphasised the importance of this change, adding: “Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place. This includes the new Horizon Youth Zone, the Alexandra Dock housing scheme and the E-Factor Business Hub – as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports.

“Cleethorpes too, will have its own transformation with our grant-funded projects in Pier Gardens, Market Place and Sea Road taking shape. When complete they will add to our already successful resort – a true jewel in the crown of the East Coast,” added Cllr Jackson.

The Budget confirms how other influences have had a bearing on its content – including the creation of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, (GLCCA), further investment in the Humber Freeport, net zero ambitions and environmental responsibilities.

Article from NELC.

Work to create the Freshney Place leisure scheme, along with the new food hall and complementary market will get underway in earnest in early February when contractors will arrive on the site.

The first part of this will be the decommissioning of existing Top Town Market, ahead of the start of works to demolish the building.

A temporary market will be created within Freshney Place in the unit currently occupied by One Beyond, which is due to be vacated by April. Once the unit is available, some work will be required before the temporary market can open to the public. 

The Council has been talking with traders in Top Town Market since it started the plans for the scheme, and more recently on a one-to-one basis to understand traders’ business aspirations, talk through the various options available to them, and offer them a full support package to help them to transition going forward.

The next step is to work with those traders who have committed to relocation to ensure a smooth transition into the temporary space.

Meanwhile, we can confirm that there are some other traders have chosen not to move to the temporary market for various reasons, and the cafes have not been able to be included within the temporary market space as they need special facilities, such as extraction, or seating areas. The council is talking separately with the cafes about other suitable spaces in the town centre, which can better accommodate their needs.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased that lots of traders have chosen to come across to the temporary market, and I’m sure it will be welcomed by shoppers to have this available as soon as practically possible.

“This unit has been used for a pop up market previously, and is in a great location for traders.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved in our Top Town Market in its present location and look forward to seeing the temporary market open to the public in the spring.”

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire residents are set to benefit from government-backed training programmes so they can benefit from new job opportunities in the clean energy sector, as part of the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission. 

Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire (to specifically include North East Lincolnshire) and Pembrokeshire have all been identified as key growth regions for clean energy, with flourishing offshore wind, nuclear, and solar industries. Local partners will receive funding to identify the skills support that is needed in their area to deliver clean power by 2030 – which will protect households and businesses from unstable fossil fuel markets for good. 

Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers – supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.   

Alongside this, the government has delivered on a longstanding campaign to help oil and gas workers access opportunities in clean energy jobs by launching a “skills passport”, in collaboration with industry and Scottish Government. Oil and gas workers will be able to access the skills passport online, which will initially help them identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance.    

These initiatives will help build the pipeline of skilled workers needed to deliver clean power by 2030, which will unlock £40 billion of investment a year and reindustrialise Britain with thousands of good jobs across the country. This underscores the government’s commitment to deliver a jobs-rich clean energy transition, putting communities and trade unions at the heart of the UK’s clean energy future.  

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, said: “Our Plan for Change to deliver clean power is not just about protecting households and businesses from the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets, it is also about reindustrialising Britain with thousands of well-paid, good union jobs in industrial communities.”

Many of the skills required for the transition already exist, with research from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have skills that are relevant to the clean energy transition. 

From today (22 January), workers will be able to create an account to access the four career pathways currently available, helping them identify where their existing qualifications are recognised. Led by Renewable UK and Offshore Energies UK, and supported by the UK and funding from Scottish Government, the tool will be expanded over the coming year to recognise other pathways from oil and gas into the renewable sector. 

Funding will initially be given to Cheshire West and Chester, North and North East Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire, as significant work identifying skills has already been done for Aberdeen. All four areas will be considered for further funding for targeted measures such as new training centres and courses to upskill workers. This could support the offshore wind sector in South Wales, or nuclear fuel cluster in Cheshire. Around £1 million will be available for each area, with local and devolved partners empowered to develop their own plans for how best to target the funding. 

Employers will also get a handbook which highlights where businesses can access support to grow and upskill their workforce. This will include, for example, sector-based work academy programmes which help jobseekers into the sector, ensuring they have the necessary skills to deliver clean power by 2030. 

Jack Hayhoe, Head of Net Zero Programme at Midlands Net Zero Hub, said: “Midlands Net Zero Hub welcomes the announcement of the Regional Skills Pilot. The creation of skilled workers is vital to achieving the UK Government’s 2030 clean energy mission, and through the training schemes that the Hub has supported, we can see the interest in green jobs continues to grow. 

“Our research into the Low Carbon Environmental Goods and Services sector has demonstrated that a strategic approach to addressing skills gaps can unlock nearly £15bn of economic growth in the region over the next five years. Not only will this work bolster the economy, the net zero transition will be transformational for communities in the Midlands, who are at the heart of our decarbonisation efforts. We look forward to working with government to identify and overcome the challenges around growing skills in the region that will support the transition to net zero.” 

In response to today’s announcement, Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the news and stressed just how vital this work was.

“Empowering our residents to unlock their potential and achieve their goals is critical to the future of our borough – if we are to improve health and prosperity within our communities, we must work together to ensure our people are able to take the opportunities that exist here,” he said.

Recent evidence from Humber bank industry suggests that green energy creation, decarbonisation and hydrogen opportunities are likely to create more than 32,000 jobs across the Humber by 2040.

Cllr Jackson highlighted how the new Council Plan, to be released in April, talks of the authority’s commitment to supporting a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’ – and a crucial part of achieving this is to improve skills.

“As our plan outlines, our ambition is for our people to be equipped with the skills they need. We know the demand is here and we do have a skills gap that must be closed. I am pleased that this has been recognised and we have been presented with this opportunity.

“We now look forward to working closely with Midlands Net Zero Hub (and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) to look at things that will support our residents and the sector,” he added.

Article from NELC.