New plans for the future of one of Grimsby’s most important historical areas, Garth Lane were approved by the Council’s Cabinet in December 2020.

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.

Subject to confirmed funding, the area is set to be transformed with proposals for new artwork, improved public spaces, new lighting and seating. New tiered 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.

Fine details such as the public art and lighting are still to be agreed and some elements, such as the public art, will be subject to further public engagement.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “The Garth Lane site is hugely important to bringing areas of Grimsby together. The site has been derelict for some time, and along with Frederick Ward Way has only served to cut off the north of Grimsby from the rest of the town centre.

“We’re also doing significant work to the West Haven Maltings development site to bring in the national youth zone provider, OnSide,” he continued. “The area will be revitalised in terms not seen for generations.”

There are also plans to renew the beach area next to the river, where according to legend, it is the site where Grim, the founder of Grimsby, was said to have landed, after saving the infant Prince Havelock of Denmark from the sea.

Archaeological work has been recently undertaken on site to understand the various early settlements on the land next to the River Freshney.

The project is part of the Town Deal, which aims to reconnect Grimsby town centre with its waterfront. Other plans are already underway for the Garth Lane site and West Haven Maltings, including the new Youth Zone.

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