The Levelling Up schemes that aim to reshape Grimsby and Cleethorpes

As part of Central Government’s Levelling Up agenda, bids are being put together to apply for grants from the LUF (Levelling Up Fund) Round Two.

To be submitted in early July, North East Lincolnshire Council can put in two regeneration schemes, one for each parliamentary constituency, and a third ringfenced for transport improvements.

The following three areas of work, to be unveiled at an Economy Scrutiny Panel meeting next week, are to be the focus.

Cleethorpes (Pier Gardens and Market Place):  The proposed remodelling of the Pier Gardens area next to Alexandra Road is the first project proposed following the extensive Cleethorpes Masterplan engagement.

Over 2,000 respondents said that they clearly enjoyed the gardens as a leisure space, often using it to sit and enjoy the views whilst having some food. Respondents also said that more seating and planting schemes that improved biodiversity would encourage them to visit the gardens more.

Concept designs have been drawn up for the Pier Gardens’ scheme while the Sea Road development site now has planning permission in place for a new building and the opportunity for a third-party operator to manage the upper floors of the building is still being marketed. Some additional funding is being sought to build the proposed building to provide an “oven ready” site for an operator to move in to. The building as proposed will also include resort information facilities and public toilets on the ground floor.

The Market Place: The second scheme proposed to come forward from the Cleethorpes Masterplan is the Market Place. Respondents to the Masterplan wanted to see space for al-fresco style dining, as well as a regular market and more street trees and greenery. Initial designs in the Masterplan showed concept designs to pedestrianise the area and provide facilities for leisure use to enhance the offering from local businesses.

The council added that they are exploring the potential to bring forward some elements of regeneration of the North Prom that were included in the recent Masterplan.

Grimsby Town Centre (bid to transform the western end of Freshney Place shopping centre, with more leisure opportunities to attract day and evening visitors, and a new Top Town Market): Announed last night, the council is lobbying for the purchase of Freshney Place using monies already secured from the national Future High Streets Fund, (FHSF). The FHSF money was won in 2020 to remodel the western end of the centre, Top Town and Victoria Street.

The Grimsby LUF bid will support further development of the leisure element of the FHSF – something that was supported by the views of local people who took part in the 2020 Grimsby Masterplan consultation.

Locals said they wanted to see ‘more green spaces and places to relax’, Riverhead Square as a community meeting place, better use of the waterfront, and more leisure opportunities.

News on the development of Riverhead Square is set to be released soon.

A fit for purpose new Transport Hub in Grimsby Town Centre will form the core of the transport bid.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council has already acquired land on Osborne Street/Garden Street. With Grimsby Town Railway Station and multi-story car park right next door, this site has the potential to be an excellent new transport hub.

Other projects being considered for the LUF bid are: electrification of buses, supporting net zero carbon aspirations; and a potential bid around the repair of the A180 bridge infrastructure.