Yearly Archive 25 March 2026

Residents and local stakeholders are being invited to help shape the long‑term future of Immingham and Habrough as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which will see £20-million invested over the next 10 years.

North East Lincolnshire Council is establishing a Neighbourhood Board for the area and is seeking applications from people with strong local connections, who want to play an active role in guiding how this investment is used.

Immingham and Habrough have been selected as one of the areas to benefit from the national Pride in Place programme. The funding will focus on three key objectives:

• Thriving Places
• Stronger Communities
• Taking Back Control

The Neighbourhood Board will help ensure investment decisions reflect local needs and priorities, working collectively to champion the future of the area.

Who Should Apply

This is a voluntary role, ideal for those who want to contribute their experience, local insight and passion for the area.

The Council is keen to ensure the Board reflects the full breadth of the community. Applications are encouraged from individuals, groups and organisations with strong ties to Immingham and Habrough, including (but not limited to):

• Community leaders, organisers and volunteers –  charities, faith groups, neighbourhood forums, youth groups and social clubs
• Public agencies and anchor institutions – schools, colleges, healthcare providers, and representatives from local authorities
• Cultural, arts, heritage and sporting organisations – museums, arts spaces, sports clubs and heritage groups
• Local businesses and social enterprises – key local employers, local Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District, registered social housing providers or Co-operatives.

How to Apply

Applicants are asked to submit a CV, and a short cover letter outlining:

• your connection to Immingham & Habrough
• why you are interested in becoming a Board Member
• what you feel you could bring to the Board

Applications should be sent to: Caroline.Cook@nelincs.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 12 April 2026. Informal discussions for shortlisted applicants will be held week commencing 27 April 2026.

To learn more about the national programme, visit the Pride in Place Programme prospectus – GOV.UK– external site

For informal enquiries or an initial conversation about the role, please contact: Spencer.Hunt@nelincs.gov.uk

This programme offers a unique opportunity to create meaningful, long‑term change for Immingham and Habrough. Whether you live, work or simply care about the area, your ideas and energy can help strengthen local pride, unlock ambition and shape a thriving future for everyone.

Article from NELC.

A BOLD plan for long-term change in Grimsby has taken an important step forward.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, (MHCLG),  has strongly endorsed Grimsby’s Pride in Place submission.

Grimsby was one of the places selected to receive up to £20 million over 10 years through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which supports long-term improvements shaped by local priorities.

The plan builds on two years of work through Grimsby Together, a town-wide effort supported by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Greater Grimsby Board and Our Future, an organisation that supports citizens to shape long-term change in their hometown.

In 2024, more than 1,100 people took part in conversations about Grimsby’s future. More than 56,000 votes were cast, and hundreds of ideas were shared through online engagement, public meetings, workshops and open events.

That work helped shape a shared vision for Grimsby and clear priorities for the town’s future, including homes and neighbourhoods, education and opportunity, community life, arts and culture, the local economy, nature, and the quality of the places people share.

In 2025, the work went deeper. Local people from different sectors stepped forward to join working groups, exploring how those priorities connect and how Pride in Place funding could strengthen, connect and complement what is already happening across the town.

At the heart of the submission is the ambition to develop a locally led Grimsby Fund. Rather than treating the £20 million as funding to be spent and moved on from, the aim is to create a vehicle that can support local priorities, steward investment on behalf of the town and help grow additional funding over time. The £20 million is seen as a starting point, not a ceiling.

The fund is intended to back the priorities of local people. By creating a trusted, locally accountable fund, Grimsby aims to attract further public, philanthropic and social investment, while backing the great work already happening in the town – building a legacy beyond the life of the programme.

Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is great news. As you can see, transformation is now happening around our town centre, and this will be truly complemented by this investment in schemes that are shaped by our communities – making a lasting and positive difference.”

The endorsement means Grimsby Together can now move into its next stage, including the further development of the Grimsby Fund and the detail needed to make sure it delivers for the people of Grimsby.

Article from NELC.

Following last year’s successful trial at the southern section of Thrunscoe Land Car Park in Cleethorpes, located beside the much‑loved Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, the dedicated motorhome parking area has now received a fresh new surface in time for the upcoming holiday season. These improvements are designed to enhance comfort and convenience for the many visitors who choose Cleethorpes for their break and will be open for the weekend.

Since opening in Spring last year, the council‑managed motorhome site has become a popular stopover for holidaymakers exploring the town. It remains the only council car park in North East Lincolnshire that permits overnight motorhome stays, offering both a welcoming location and essential facilities, including an Elsan disposal point for water access and chemical toilet emptying near the public toilets in the car park.

To keep the site safe and enjoyable for everyone, motorhome owners are reminded to park centrally within marked bays and avoid placing items such as chairs or tables outside their vehicles. Parking fees remain unchanged from last year, with stays priced at £12 for 24 hours or £24 for 48 hours. A maximum stay of two nights ensures fair access for all visitors.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy said:
“Cleethorpes continues to be one of the region’s most loved seaside destinations, and we’re committed to making sure our facilities reflect that. These improvements will give motorhome visitors an even more welcoming and comfortable place to stay, encouraging more people to come and enjoy everything our fantastic resort has to offer. We look forward to seeing the site busy again very soon.”

Article and image from NELC.

Local people are being invited to take part in an annual consultation to tell the authorities in our area about their experiences of crime.  

The consultation, which is held each year, is part of the Joint Strategic Intelligence Assessment (JSIA), and helps the Community Safety Partnership to get a clearer picture of where to direct their resources and which crimes to prioritise.

Local people are being asked how their family have been affected by crime in the last 12 months, whether they feel that the level of crime in their area has increased, decreased, or stayed the same, and how they perceive individual crimes to be a problem.

The responses from local residents are combined with crime data for the local area, giving the Council, Police and other local services a picture of what crime is taking place compared with the public perception of crime and where people feel more resources should be directed.

This consultation is open from Wednesday, 25^th March 2026 to Wednesday, 20^th May 2026. To take part, visit https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/t/AB3uoi9ZB3wBke- external site .

If you need to speak to someone to give your views, ask any questions or you need a copy of the survey posting to you, send an email to nelcsp@nelincs.gov.uk.

Article from NELC.

A revamped arts centre on the Port of Grimsby is nearing completion, thanks to the help of local contractors.

Run by Unseen Arts CIC, the centre will be home to a pottery workshop, dance space and art studio when finished, also offering aerial classes and digital art workshops. The Community Interest Company are a grassroots creative organisation which launched on the Docks in 2022, with an upstairs workshop in the building being transformed into a vibrant performing arts studio delivering a regular programme of well-attended classes.

When the rest of the building became available, they jumped at the chance to bring the entire building back into use, preserving its historic value while creating a bold, inclusive and sustainable future for culture on the docks.

Last year they were awarded funding to improve and reimagine the space from Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Capital Fund (HAR CF) and regional grants programmes. This was matched with a grant from North East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas (PSiCA).

The funding is supporting the repair and restoration of two connected heritage buildings, which is being undertaken by the team from E.S Rudkin Ltd, who are based in Scartho. The works have been designed by Cleethorpes-based Hodson Architects, and are stabilising the structures, addressing significant rot and water issues, restoring heritage features, and preparing the buildings for long-term community use.

For Natahsa Morley, Co-Founder and Director of Visual Art, and Lynsey Wells, Co-Founder and Director of Performing Arts, this is an historic moment in Unseen Arts’ history.

Natasha said: “This is going to be an incredible development for us and this is going to be a great community space and we can’t wait to hold loads of events here, we’re really excited.

“We’re going to have a great café and stage area as well as the dance studio we previously had upstairs too.” She added: “We’re going to expand this further by incorporating a visual arts studio too and we’ve made everything much more accessible.

“We just want this to be a place the community can come and try something new and explore their creativity.”

Speaking about the location, Lynsey said: “We were really attracted to the heritage and the buildings themselves on the Docks. They’re full of character and hold so many stories.”

However, it isn’t just Grimsby’s heritage the project is helping. With the use of local contractors like builders E.S. Rudkin, it’s also helping businesses based in the area.

Malcolm Rudkin, Director at E.S. Rudkin, said: “This is going to be a really creative area. The Docks itself has got a vision. There’s a dream and it’s wonderful to see that coming to life.

“This will be a wonderful creative, artistic corner that will draw people in from all over the country.”

He added: “On a personal note, I had my first ever job here on Grimsby Docks in 1975 so it’s amazing to come back here at 65 years old and be working on some of these buildings.”

Article and image from NELC.

Community litter picks, school visits and improved street cleansing – here’s how Green and Clean is making North East Lincolnshire a better place.

The initiative focuses on six key wards including the likes of Heneage and East Marsh, using several approaches to improve the streets and surrounding areas for the residents.

This included new operational roles to improve the general cleanliness; with streets and channels being cleared in deep cleans and community engagement with The Canoe River Cleaner to educate the younger generation.

A Cabinet Working Party (CWP) was also established to review the Council’s approach to street cleaning and offer recommendations where necessary. Originally, the £200,000 funding was allocated on a trial period in the 2025/26 budget but it has now been confirmed that it will continue, meaning the streets will be cleaner than ever.

Four new barrow operatives were employed during the project, aiding the two already employed, to make further efforts in cleaning wards highlighted as having higher levels of reported litter.

The work carried out by the team has been instrumental in reducing litter reports in the hotspot areas by 30% over the last 12 months. The Deep Cleans have also helped achieve this with road sweepers getting rid of as much as possible to make the roads shine – putting pride into the local area.

However, not everything has been about removing litter. The Canoe River Cleaner has been educating schools and hosting community litter picks every week to make sure the message is heard by the younger generation.

Visiting 14 primary schools in total and engaging with over 1000 students, he and the Council’s Environmental Engagement Officer, have been teaching them about what can and can’t be recycled as well as how to look after the borough’s waterways. He has been doing his bit to put the environment at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“It’s been great working with the Council to spread the important message that we must look after the environment. From the waterways to the streets, there is no difference.

“It’s up to us to look after them and make sure we’re not littering or harming the local wildlife and their habitats,” he said.

It’s hoped the continuation of this funding will only add to the brilliant work being achieved already. It means the work that has been done is a permanent improvement for the area without the fear of everyone’s hard work being reversed.

The CWP has also made several recommendations which cabinet agreed to consider in their latest meeting. This includes reviewing the bulky waste scheme, maintaining a keen focus on the education scheme currently being provided and improving the customer portal.

“This project has been a complete success,” said Councillor Henry Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero. He added: “We’re thrilled to say this will be a permanent fixture for North East Lincolnshire Council and the good work that has already been done will be built upon in the coming week and months.

“I would also like to thank The Canoe River Cleaner in assisting our officers with getting the message out to the younger generation that we have to look after where we live.”

Article and images from NELC.

TWO national retailers have renewed their leases at Freshney Place, signalling their ongoing commitment to Grimsby and local customers.

The Perfume Shop and Trespass have both secured their future position at the centre, as it undergoes a £50 million redevelopment that will see it evolve into a leading leisure and retail destination for the region. 

The ambitious redevelopment – the largest in the history of Grimsby, includes the addition of a new cinema, a reimagined market space, and a dedicated food court – all designed to bring a fresh, modern, and vibrant feel to the town centre. 

Elliot Andrews, Freshney Place centre manager said: “We’re delighted that Trespass and The Perfume Shop have renewed their leases and committed to the centre. Freshney Place is transitioning into a new offering for the town and it’s fantastic to see businesses investing in that journey alongside us. As popular, national brands they add significant value to our retail offering.”

The centre currently sits at 95% occupancy, reflecting the confident mood amongst tenants ahead of the leisure extension, which is due to complete in 2027.

Jason Sargent, senior leasing manager at Queensberry Real Estate, which manages the centre on behalf of owners North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Occupancy levels are more than healthy, and Freshney Place continues to demonstrate strong appeal to both national and independent brands. The decision by Trespass and The Perfume Shop to recommit to the centre underpins the confident mood in the town centre. We’re looking forward to sharing more positive news in the near future.”

Freshney Place was purchased by the council in 2022 and is a cornerstone of its long-term regeneration vision. Several additional projects are also under way including the Alexandra Dock Housing scheme, to build 120 new homes in the heart of the town as well as the recently opened Horizon Youth Zone.

Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “What we are seeing now is a town centre that is transforming – new homes, businesses, the Community Diagnostic Centre and the Horizon Youth Zone bring with them more footfall, and those people are set to be served by vastly improved and attractive leisure, food and retail spaces. It is great to see.”

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council is inviting residents, visitors and businesses to have their say on the next phase of ambitious plans to revitalise Grimsby Town Centre.

In 2020, the Council published its Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan – a vision shaped by local people and key partners. Since then, the plan has helped secure millions of pounds in investment to improve the town centre and create spaces that are more vibrant, welcoming and accessible.

Last week Grimsby officially entered the running for UK Town of Culture 2028, building on major investment in culture in North East Lincolnshire in recent years, most recently seeing the opening of the spectacular new Horizon Youth Zone in the restored Grade II listed West Haven Maltings and Migar House. Horizon will be working alongside NELC in developing the Town of Culture bid.

In 2026, the Council is sharing progress on developments right across the town centre and asking the community to help guide what happens next. The current Masterplan runs until 2030 and the next stage will take transformation through to 2040.

An interactive online space has been launched, allowing people to explore how they currently use the town centre, how they travel around it, and what they would like to see in the future. Short questions appear throughout the site, along with a survey to complete at the end.

Feedback gathered will help the Council understand local priorities and strengthen future funding bids and investment opportunities.

What’s already been delivered

Significant progress has been made across the town centre, including:

• Freshney Place  –  Major plans are underway to deliver a new cinema, food hall and revitalised market, building on the success of the £10m Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which is bringing more people into town and easing pressure on hospitals.
• St James’ Square  – The Hive has been upgraded into a modern business hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Outside, the Square has been transformed with new planting, lighting, street furniture and bespoke paving.
• Horizon Youth Zone  – Now open in the restored Grade II listed West Haven Maltings and Migar House, providing a safe, inspiring and fully-modernised space for young people to meet, socialise and learn new skills, while preserving heritage.
• Riverhead Square – Major improvements to the Square and bridge have created a safer, more accessible space for events and day‑to‑day use. The newly opened CARE community hub has brought a welcoming, community‑focused presence to the town centre.
• Alexandra Dock  – Work has started on 120 new waterfront homes by Keepmoat, bringing high‑quality, affordable housing into the town centre.
• Transport Hub – With demolition complete and site clearance underway, the project will deliver a central, green, multi‑functional transport interchange with direct links to the station, Abbey Walk car park and surrounding retail and business areas, plus space for seating, toilets, a small outdoor coffee stall and an indoor café

Residents can share their views on the new Masterplan online until Monday 6 April 2026, and are also invited to speak to the team in person at a series of engagement events across the town:

• 13 March, 10am–2pm – Sainsbury’s, Corporation Road, Grimsby
• 20 March, 10am–3pm – Freshney Place Shopping Centre
• 21 March, 10am–3pm – Grimsby Minster
• 24 March, 10am–2pm – Centre4, Wootton Road, Grimsby

As part of this next phase, the Council is asking for views on how best to connect and enhance three distinct areas of the town centre:

• Riverhead and Garth Lane – extending the heart of the town towards the water, creating new public and community spaces alongside commercial opportunities near the key transport hub.
• St James and Freshney – strengthening the area’s offer by supporting new businesses, and expanding leisure and entertainment activity, while celebrating its heritage.
• Alexandra Dockside – unlocking the potential of an under‑used waterfront location to provide new homes, green space and community facilities, while improving access to the water for sport, culture and events.

By strengthening the links between these areas, the plans aim to create an inclusive town centre where businesses can grow and jobs can be created; moving around is safe, simple and accessible for all; everyone has access to high‑quality homes, essential services and welcoming spaces; heritage is celebrated and a thriving cultural scene draws people into the town.

Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “We’ve made real progress over the past five years, thanks to the ideas and enthusiasm of local people. Now we want to continue that journey together. Your views are vital in helping us shape a town centre that works for everyone—somewhere to live, work, visit and enjoy.”

To take part in the consultation and explore the interactive online space, visit: https://my.engaged.space/welovegrimsby- external site

Article and image from NELC.

GUESTS at last night’s 2025 Group get-together put their arms in the air for GY28 – Grimsby’s bid to be crowned the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.

People from business, the arts, culture & heritage, and community groups & organisations were at Grimsby Town Hall for a regeneration ‘2025 Group’ special when they heard just what had been achieved in the town since the launch of the 2020 town centre ‘Masterplan’.

The initial Masterplan, released in 2020 after major public consultation, shaped the regeneration that we currently see taking place now. Chair for the evening, Mark Webb, reeled off a string of achievements including:

• The new Riverhead Square, which held its first Christmas market in 2025;
• The OnSide Horizon Youth Zone, which already has 2,000 members (Horizon is a main GY28 supporter);
• The CDC (Community Diagnostic Hub) in Freshney Place;
• The new Alexandra Dock Housing site with 120 homes being built;
• The Freshney Place Leisure and Food Hall Scheme;
• The plans for a new Transport Hub.

Mark also highlighted his own E-Factor’s new Business Hive. Developed in the redundant St James’ House with the support of Towns Fund monies, all its 18 office spaces are now full, and further redevelopment is going well.

He further introduced individual presentations promoting:

• The Grimsby and Cleethorpes LOVE events, taking place on March 21 & 28 – Discover North East Lincolnshire | Love Grimsby 2026 – Discover North East Lincolnshire- external site  and Discover North East Lincolnshire | Love Cleethorpes 2026 – Discover North East Lincolnshire- external site 
• The launch, just yesterday, of a consultation to update the 2020 Grimsby Masterplan – Help us shape the next chapter of Grimsby’s Town Centre transformation | NELC
• The latest on the council-owned former House of Fraser building – as negotiations to re-let the building continue with a retailer, who has confirmed their interest, the council has led a successful bid for heritage funding to help return the Victoria Street frontage to its former glory – Grants awarded to look at how the former House of Fraser building could be improved in the future | NELC
• The spectacular spring event at Grimsby Minister – The Culture House and Our Future Starts Here have secured HELIOS by Luke Jerram. Here comes the Sun will run from 9 April to 4 May, supported by headline sponsor Ørsted – more details and to book free tickets The Culture House and Our Future Starts Here present HELIOS by Luke Jerram Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite- external site 

And finally, details were outlined on how everyone can support Grimsby’s Town of Culture bid, GY28 – GY28 – UK Town of Culture | NELC

After hearing a brief rundown of what is happening the whole audience got together to show their support!

Marketing and Communications professional and long-time supporter of ‘all things amazing in Grimsby, Jose Davies, gave GY28 her backing, saying: “I think we should definitely become the Town of Culture because we have such a wide history and an amazing community who love this town.”

After the meeting, North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “What a fantastic couple of hours – and an opportunity to reflect on the vast amount of work that has, and is, being achieved in the transformation of our town centre. As a council, we will continue to work hard and with determination to achieve the vision and ambition we have – at that includes showing everyone just why Grimsby should be the UK’s very first Town of Culture.”

Picture by Gary Davies and words by NELC.

With only weeks to go until the voter registration deadline for local elections on 7 May, anyone who wants to vote must make sure they are registered in time.

This is particularly important for anyone that’s moved in the last few months, or those who have just turned 18 – you need to make sure your details are up to date.

In North East Lincolnshire there will be 15 seats up for election, one in each ward. To have your say at this year’s local elections, you must be registered to vote before midnight on Monday 20 April. If you’re not already registered, you can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote- external site . It takes just five minutes.

Once registered, voters have a range of options – they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.

Voters going to a polling station will need to show photo ID. To find out which ID you can use in the polling station, visit the Electoral Commission website- external site . Most people already have valid photo ID and won’t need to take any action. If you do not have one of the accepted types of ID, you can apply for free ID at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate- external site  or by completing and submitting a paper form to your local authority.

Sharon Wroot, Electoral Registration Officer for North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at elections in May. Local elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in North East Lincolnshire.

“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID, you can contact our electoral services – visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/elections to find a range of ways to contact them.”

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal, proxy vote or free ID.

“If you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.

“Voters will also need to show photo ID at polling stations this May. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID can apply for free ID online or by submitting a paper form to their local council.”

Clear, trusted information about registering to vote and all your voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website- external site .

Article and image from NELC.