Category Archive News

As 2024 draws to a close, the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council Cllr Philip Jackson reflects on 12 months of decisions made that are set to have a lasting and positive impact on our borough.

“With determination, partnership working and perseverance this authority has been at the forefront of a change agenda locally and regionally that has set the scene for what is to come in the years ahead.

Underpinned by a new three-year Council Plan that will be adopted from the financial year in April 2025, we have a clear vision within the borough that puts a better place and new opportunity for our people front and centre.

We will achieve success if we drive our skills, public health and children’s and family agendas alongside the improvement of our economy, our business and our towns – they are intertwined.

Early next year will see the start of major change across both Grimsby Town Centre and in Cleethorpes.

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.

The work we are spearheading and supporting will offer opportunities for our local people alongside the growth of our industries, including decarbonisation, renewables and the chemical and manufacturing sectors. It is vital that people understand what those opportunities are and have the skills to take them.

With the above in mind, devolution and the forming of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority will support all that we are doing here – with investment in key areas such as skills, economic growth and infrastructure. Indeed, monies have already been released to support our vision of a creating a sustainable Town Centre housing market, to support our regeneration aspirations.

The Mayoral election for the new GLCCA will take place on May 1 next year, and my appeal to everyone is to support that election with your vote. The Mayor will be working with a new GLCCA board to give Greater Lincolnshire a stronger voice at Westminster – encouraging more investment and growth.

2024 has been a busy year and in 2025 we must keep going – making a difference, improving our support and work with families, reinventing our place and ensuring North East Lincolnshire is heard and seen on the regional and national stage.”

Article and images from NELC.

One hundred and fifty years ago, in 1874, the Mermaid Café building on Cleethorpes North Prom sea front was constructed as a waiting room for the recently opened Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway.  It now forms part of the listed buildings on Cleethorpes Railway Station.

Over the years, the building has been used for various food and beverage businesses, most recently as a Fish and Chip café and takeaway.

As part of the Discover Cleethorpes Heritage Townscape Heritage Programme, which has been funded thanks to National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Mermaid building has been identified as one of the eligible properties to be able to bid for grant funding to help with external restoration works.

The programme has already seen several balconies and shop fronts restored along Alexandra Road and in Sea View Street.

The project will see conservation work to the Victorian cast iron framework of the building, as well as full restoration and conservation of the timber elements of the building. The building will also be re-roofed, and cast iron gutters and downpipes will also be replaced.

The building will be repainted in the original livery colours of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway company.

Leaseholders, Charles Crawford and Craig Brown said: “This is something that we’ve been wanting to do for a long time, having gained planning and Listed Building consent back in 2021. Due to the complexities of the restoration, we knew that financial support would be required, and we’re really pleased to get the backing of The National Lottery Heritage Fund for some of the work. We can’t wait to see what the building will look like when it’s restored.”

The Railway Trust are providing match funding for this project. Tim Hedley–Jones of The Railway Trust said: “We’re really happy to be working collaboratively with both the leaseholders and the council, and provide this additional funding to help restore this former railway building.”

Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see this particular building come forward as part of the Townscape Heritage Project. It’s one of the key buildings that people see as they arrive in Cleethorpes on the train, and to have it restored to its former glory will be wonderful!”

The work will be carried out by CAG, who have completed heritage works in other areas of the resort as part of the National Lottery funded Townscape Heritage grant programme.

Planning permission is already in place for the work to the building, and initial internal work has begun, with hoardings already up around the building and the iron work set to be removed before Christmas. The main work will start in the new year, with a view to being completed before the main summer season.

Article and image from NELC.

“Grimsby town centre is changing. And the feel around the town centre is changing too.”

These are the words of Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council as the decision has been made to continue with one of the largest investments in Grimsby town centre’s history, the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market, at Full Council.

After the decision was taken to go-ahead with the scheme, Cllr Jackson said:

“We’ve now, as a Council, made the final decision to bring forward and support the Freshney Place leisure scheme and new food hall and complementary market, a project that will transform the centre of our key town in our borough.

“We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough.

“We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town. 

“In the last seven years, disused and unkempt areas, such as Garth Lane, Riverhead and St James’ Square have changed the entrance gateways to the town, providing a more attractive area to spend time, with better lighting and CCTV to provide reassurance and security too.

“Partners such as Onside, who are building a Youth Zone on the Haven, and Keepmoat, who will be building housing for local people, are investing in the future of our town centre.

“With developments such as the Freshney Place leisure scheme and the transport hub on the horizon, Grimsby is set to take another leap forward. This is about creating a place people will be proud of, and investors and businesses want to be in. This is about the future of the borough. 

“Put this alongside the work we’re doing to bring more culture, events and festivals into the town centre, and creating safer streets, and you can see there’s been a wholesale change.”

As previously reported, the leisure scheme is due to be constructed using the western end of Freshney Place, the area that is currently the Top Town Market Hall and some units on the Bullring, which will provide a new offering for the people and businesses in Grimsby town centre.

So far, within the proposed scheme, a pre-let agreement is in place with local operator, Parkway Cinema, to bring a new five screen cinema to complement its offering at Cleethorpes.

There is more confidence in the cinema sector, particularly amongst smaller operators who are able to provide a quality experience and to tailor their operations to fit local demographics and demands.

Richard Parkes, owner of Parkway Cinema, said: “We’ve long discussed options for bringing a cinema to Grimsby, and reinventing Freshney Place is precisely the right approach. Town centres are not just about shopping – that doesn’t work anymore. We need to provide more reasons to visit and offer more things to do at more times during the day, and that’s just what we’ve signed up for – to bring that to Grimsby.

“We’ll be a living, breathing presence right in the heart of the town, with a new cinema open to and accessible to everyone alongside a new market hall and food outlets. It’s just part of something that will improve the whole town centre for a new generation, alongside the youth zone and other areas of the town like St James Square and the Riverhead. There’s a lot going on, and we can’t wait to be part of it.”

The development also includes plans for a new, vibrant food hall together with an attached complementary market. This is sited on the area of the former BHS building. According to a report from GlobalData, the leisure industry, like many is always evolving. Although there has been a growth in online shopping, around 75% of all sales are still in person on the high street.

Four additional new leisure, food and beverage, or retail opportunities, including a larger unit to-let are also in the scheme footprint, alongside four refurbished units within Freshney Place, with the return of Starbucks already agreed, and discussions underway with a leading food outlet.

Once the new market hall has been completed within the old BHS building, traders, new and old, will be invited to see the new development and find out about what opportunities will be on offer.

As part of the discussions last week at Full Council, it was agreed to set up a cross party group of Councillors set up to monitor key regeneration projects in the borough. This will complement the other formal arrangements in terms of the existing Council’s Scrutiny and oversight arrangements.

Work is expected to start on site early in the new year.

Article and image from NELC.

Phase Two of the public consultation for North East Lincolnshire’s Library and Archive Service review will take place in the New Year, following approval from Cabinet.

Phase One of public consultation and engagement, which took place earlier this year, focused on building a better understanding of what our communities see as important to them, how they use our Library and Archive Service and what they view as the opportunities for the services in the future.

The Phase One responses, coupled with a full needs assessment, have highlighted where future resources should be focussed to help deliver a “comprehensive and efficient” library service, supporting a continued compliance with statutory requirements.

Councillors have now voted to go ahead with a 12-week public consultation in 2025 seeking the views of local residents on the future operation of the service, which involves Grimsby Central Library, Cleethorpes Library, Waltham Library and Immingham Library.

Proposals will focus on modernising and rationalising the library network through the potential co-location of services to support the development of a more efficient service and expand on learning from the hub model seen at Immingham, where the current library service is located within the town’s Civic Centre.

The public will be asked to give their views on proposals for:

• A co-located service for a Grimsby town centre hub with public library service, public archives, and adult skills & learning all in one place;
• A co-located service for Cleethorpes Library with Cleethorpes Leisure Centre;
• Redesignation of Waltham Library as a community library;
•  Immingham to remain as a co-located service with a focus on developing further partnership working from this location.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, NELC Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “We want to thank everyone who took part in Phase One of the library and archive consultations. We want you to know that we have considered your responses in detail and this second phase comes on the back of what you told us and our assessment of local need. No decisions will be made until after the Phase Two consultations.

“These proposals look at the public library service branches that fit with the wider Council strategy to develop further, recognising the importance of encouraging footfall in our town centres and the benefits of bringing services together under one roof.

“For reassurance, there are no plans to sell, dispose of, or destroy the Central Library building. It is important to highlight the Council’s commitment to the building and investment into the wider town centre.

“I urge our local residents to take part in this second phase of consultations so that we can properly progress a vision for our Libraries and Archive Service going forward. We are asking you to complete the Phase Two survey,  alongside which we will also be holding focus groups and community engagement events, to capture as full a picture as possible of your views.”

Phase Two of the public consultation will follow a similar methodology as Phase One with an online survey and face-to-face opportunities to ensure as many people as possible can share their views, and be a part of designing a library service that best meets their needs within the resources available. Further detail will be available at the start of the consultation period planned to be released in early 2025.

Article from NELC.

LEADING councillors from across North East Lincolnshire have visited Corporation Bridge to assess the progress of work to renovate the structure.

The work, which started in February 2022 and was initially expected to be completed within a year, has been extended to Summer next year following significant levels of deterioration being discovered on the structure.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Philip Jackson, and portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, were accompanied on the site by representatives of the various political groups that make up North East Lincolnshire Council: Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal Democrat), Cllr Sheldon Mill (Labour) and Cllr Steve Holland (Independent).

During the visit, which took place earlier this month, councillors heard from lead engineers about some of the sizeable repairs and complex work that has had to be undertaken to restore the bridge to its former glory.

Much of the work has now been completed, with only a small number of repairs outstanding as well as the redesign of the lifting span.

Next year will see the 100-year anniversary of the bridge being designed by Alfred C Gardner to help carry increasing traffic between East and West Marsh and the steadily expanding dock industries. The bridge was opened in 1928 by HRH The Prince of Wales. 

Coun Jackson said that the visit was important for politicians to see behind the scenes at the progress.

“It has been a valuable visit. It’s important that local councillors have the opportunity to see the work that’s going and talk to the engineers to understand the scale of some of the challenges that structures like this pose.

“Corporation Bridge isn’t just an important part of our road network. It’s also a valuable historic asset and a part of the fabric of our history, so I’m keen for us all to work together to get this done.”

Speaking after the visit, Councillor Stewart Swinburn said: “It has been good to get onsite with fellow councillors to see the work that has taken place and hear first hand from the engineers about what the challenges have been and how they’ve overcome these.

“I know that residents are anxious for the bridge to reopen quickly, and I share in that feeling, but we need to make sure that the work is done properly and that when it does reopen, the bridge is left in a good state that can be maintained in the future.”

A further update on the progress of the bridge works is expected in the New Year. To find out more about the work taking place to Corporation Road Bridge, visit https://investnel.co.uk/corporation-bridge- external site

Article and images from NELC.

A major housing development in North East Lincolnshire at the former Western School site is a step closer, with the completion of the land agreement with top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat.

The housebuilder will regenerate the 22.9 acre brownfield site, which will see a multi-million pound investment to create a community of around 318 properties, including potentially one to four bedroom houses, along with affordable housing and retirement dwellings.

The former school site was closed more than a decade ago due to falling numbers and an over provision of places, with pupils reallocated at the time to other schools in the area.

Funding to progress the site was obtained through the Homes England Accelerated Construction Programme, enabling North East Lincolnshire Council to prepare the site and complete key utility, site preparation and access works, as well as developing and securing the outline planning permission a few years ago.

This was followed by Keepmoat designing the transformation of the site and securing planning permission earlier this year, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.

The top 10 housebuilder is set to start on regenerating the site this week to deliver the 318 sustainable properties, which will be launched in winter 2026 – representing a £65 million investment to create the multi-tenure development.

Ben Hindley, Regional Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “It’s always an exciting time at Keepmoat when we’re able to commence construction on a new development, particularly when it leads to the provision of affordable housing to people who really need it.

“As one of the UK’s leading partnership housebuilders, building strong links with local authorities, communities and housing associations is crucial. We’re working closely with North East Lincolnshire Council and Ongo to develop the area and provide local people with a great place to live and work.

“The site is a great example of the public and private sectors working together, unlocking funding being obtained by the authority enabling the Council to obtain outline planning permission and complete key infrastructure. We look forward to obtaining planning permission and making a start on site.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “We want to boost the local economy, and provide good quality housing to do this – both for our existing population and for people who want to move to the area.

“For the good of the environment, using brownfield sites has to be our preference. The delivery of new and affordable homes, built in places that support sustainable growth of our communities is key. Alongside our plans for urban housing in the centre of Grimsby, this development will provide significant numbers of good quality, new accommodation in the borough for our residents.”

Keepmoat were also announced in September this year as the developers for the central town site in Grimsby, Alexandra Docks, which will see approximately 130 new homes and supporting commercial premises on the site.

Article and image from NELC.

A vision to create modern new homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby Town Centre is becoming a reality as leading UK developer Keepmoat starts initial survey work at Alexandra Dock.

From Monday, November 4, the company will be on site next to the Garth Lane bridge area to begin ‘trial pitting’ for two days – ground investigations to determine soil and ground conditions ahead of any building.

This comes ahead of public consultation and the submission of a planning application for around 130 homes on the 6.25-acre site. Keepmoat was awarded the build lease for the council-owned site earlier this year.

Initial support to get the scheme underway has come from the Grimsby Towns Fund, and Homes England.

The site itself sits behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone alongside the River Freshney and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and waterside walkway. It 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.

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “North East Lincolnshire must develop as a place where people want to live and work. If that does not happen, we risk stagnating as a borough. We’re committed to making sure that does not happen.

“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. We want people who work in our borough to also live here as this will maximise the economic benefits to the area.”

Article and image from NELC.

One man arrested on suspicion of a serious crime and seven Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for breaching a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) during the latest Op Mastery enforcement operation.

The scheme sees Humberside Police join forces with North East Lincolnshire Council’s Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) team, the Environmental Enforcement Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE), Equans’ Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) and CCTV team, Stagecoach, The 2025 Group and advisors from addiction charity We Are With You.

In conjunction with the use of the town centre’s Tannoy system, teams worked hard in an attempt to reduce Anti-Social Behaviour and support those in need of help.

Humberside Police and the Council’s ASB team worked along Victoria Street whilst the CEOs spent their time speaking to motorists along George Street.

During the operation between 2pm and 5.30pm, they were able to enforce a number of ASB and parking laws as well as make an arrest for a wanted male.

• 4 tickets issued for traffic offences
• 22 vehicles stopped and given advice to surrounding traffic
• 7 FPNs issued for breaching PSPOs by illegal cycling.
• 2 people stopped and searched
• 1 wanted male arrested for suspected rape and suspected non-fatal strangulation

Now in its eighth iteration, the operation is having a positive impact on Grimsby Town Centre. Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, Councillor Ron Shepherd, said: “These results are great and whilst we’re happy to see the law being enforced, it’s important to remember why we’re doing this.

“We want the centre of Grimsby to be a welcoming and safe place for residents and visitors. These results show that we are making a difference and I’m grateful to all the partners for coming together to make this possible.

“We will continue to tackle the issues that matter to the people of North East Lincolnshire and make more inroads into transforming the town centre.”

Local Neighbourhood Inspector Claire Jacobs said: “We remain committed to our work alongside North East Lincolnshire Council to ensure that Grimsby remains a fantastic place to live work and visit.

“Our days of action are a fantastic way to help us do exactly that and I am pleased with the results that we have seen so far. We will continue to take action against anyone who is causing harm to our communities by committing offences or behaving antisocially.” 

Article and image from NELC.

Investment and regeneration in Grimsby and Cleethorpes is booming – including new housing, and a development that will completely transform the look of Grimsby town centre’s south side.

The good news was outlined by Council Leader Philip Jackson in his latest update to council members at a recent meeting at Grimsby Town Hall.

He highlighted a deal signed with Keepmoat to deliver 130 homes on Alexandra Dock, rejuvenating a 6.25-acre brownfield site in the heart of Grimsby town centre. “It is the first town centre housing in a generation, working in partnership with Homes England, part of the masterplan to diversify use of town centre,” said Coun Jackson. “It will open up the waterfront; £7.8 million of Towns Fund monies, plus brownfield land release funding to make site viable.”

He also outlined the recent news of the demolision of Abbey Walk multi-storey car park for structural reasons. As reported, it is to be replaced with a 120-bay surface car park, and Burgess Street car park is set to be developed into a Transport Hub. “This is in the early stages, using BSIP monies and brownfield land release funding – on land purchased by council 3 years ago – to demolish ugly buildings on Osbourne Street,” said Coun Jackson. “There will be further stages as more funding becomes available, and this will completely change the look of the south side of town centre.”

In Cleethorpes, work is ongoing on site at Sea Road to prepare it for a new, iconic building. “There has been renewed interest from potential operators and an announcement is coming soon,” he said.

Coun Jackson also updated members about the Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal, describing it as a “massive strategic opportunity” for North East Lincolnshire and the wider area.

He then went on to say that two early Labour Government decisions have been bad news for the borough.

“Scrapping winter fuel payments means more than 26,000 pensioners in North East Lincolnshire will lose out, meaning a £5 million to £8 million loss to the local economy,” he said.

He also outlined implications of the National Planning Policy Framework reforms. “We need more homes nationally, but a top-down directed approach is not right,” he added.

Finally, Coun Jackson said following a recent Ofsted monitoring visit, inspectors were assured that “clear progress and improvement continues to be made, though there is still work to do.”

Artwork created by a group of young people is brightening up St. James’ house as it undergoes a complete renovation.

The building will soon be used as a new thriving business hub by E-Factor, making up part of the town centre regeneration project.

In the interim, the artwork, produced by eight young people who visit the Haven youth centre on Osborne Street, Grimsby, will be presented on the surrounding hoardings.

Created as part of the centre’s Summer holiday project, 14 boards depicting landmarks and vibrant scenes from across the borough including the likes of the Dock Tower will be displayed across the site’s hoardings.

The project has been funded through the High Street Accelerator fund, working hand in hand with the 2025 Group. The project is set up by Grimsby Retailers in Partnership CIC, dedicated to helping improve and celebrate the town centre during its period of regeneration.

The boards will stay in place until completion of the business hub after which they will be put on display at various locations across the borough.

Jose Stewart, Chair of the 2025 Group, said: “The 2025 Group are delighted to see some colour and creativity brought to the town centre through this fantastic project. It’s wonderful to see local children getting involved and showcasing their talent, and we’re proud to support their efforts in brightening up the area for the whole community to enjoy.”

Caitilin, 12, worked on the hoarding depicting St. James’ Minster and loved being part of the project. She said: “I’ve only been going to the Haven Centre for about a month. I started coming because my brothers, who had been going for some time, thought I might like to help with the art as it’s something I enjoy.

“The whole thing was amazing. It was really fun and a great way of getting us all out the house.” Caitlin decided on the Minster due to her skills at drawing buildings and is really pleased with how all the hoardings have turned out.

“I think they look amazing. The idea was brilliant and it’s definitely something I would get involved with again if there was an opportunity to.

“The Haven Centre itself was full of kind staff and was such a welcoming atmosphere. Going there was something I looked forward to.”

Mark Webb, Managing Director of E-Factor, said: “E-Factor and The Business Hive along with our Contractors GELDERS are really pleased to be able to provide our hoardings as a place to display this incredible artwork.

“Having watched the progress of this group of local young people, and the effort they have put into these wonderful works of art, I am so proud that our new building project is the first to be able to show off what they have created.

“They, their families, and the whole community  should be proud to have  be home to such talented and determined young people.”

Celebrating the young people’s artwork, Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger communities, said: “This initiative is a brilliant idea.

“It helps our young people express themselves in a different format and shows just how skilled they are to the rest of the borough.

“The young people and the youth workers who have supported them should be proud of what they’ve achieved and I look forward to seeing the paintings on display elsewhere upon completion of the new business hub.”

Speaking about town centre projects, he added: “With Riverhead Square already complete and other developments underway, we are starting to see a real difference in the area as our vision of a welcoming and thriving centre becomes reality.”

Article and image from NELC.