GRIMSBY Town Centre is being offered another multi-million-pound opportunity to re-invent itself – but to have a chance of success it needs you!
Central Government monies totalling £25m have been ‘ring-fenced’ for projects in Grimsby’s central area as the next stage of the ‘Town Deal’ gathers pace. As reported, Grimsby is one of 101 urban areas across the country to be part of an expanded national Towns Fund programme.
North East Lincolnshire Council is creating a ‘Great Grimsby Masterplan and Investment Plan’ for the area, which will outline regeneration projects that need these funds and which residents and businesses want to see developed over the next five years. It is separate to the bid that will be submitted later this month for £25m from the Future High Streets Fund, (FHSF), details of which were released a few weeks ago.
To succeed, the Masterplan and Investment Plan needs buy-in, input and support from people who live, work and spend their spare time locally. Their views will help to shape it into a vision for town centre transformation.
Announcing the new fund, the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP, made it clear that communities, businesses and local leaders needed to work together to draw up such plans. He said they should aim to ‘transform economic growth prospects with a focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture’.
From Wednesday, July 15 until July 22, people are asked to go online at https://virtualengage.arup.com/grimsby-town-centre/ where they will find a virtual presentation, explaining everything they need to know about the Masterplan’s creation and how they can help, with the survey to complete. All respondents will be put into a draw with four £25 Top Town Market shopping vouchers to be won.
Key organisations around the town will also be contacted and posters will be appearing in community centres and public spaces to promote the consultation, with email and contact details for those who don’t have online access but want to be involved.
“There is now a real momentum around peoples’ desire for change and a determination to see the successful completion of our on-going projects whilst we seek to win new money for the transformation of our town centre areas,” said North East Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson.
“What we now need is the people of this town to unite with us – get involved, tell us what you think and share your ideas with us,” he added.
The Masterplan focuses on the entire town centre, from Alexandra Dock in the north, to Wellowgate in the south, and from Cartergate in the west to King Edward Street in the east. There are three key areas within this large central stretch that are identified, which are the Riverhead including Garth Lane, St James’ and Alexandra dockside.
With several successful grants already won in recent years, work is already underway in areas such as St James’ Square and Garth Lane and further development of these areas will be included. The future restoration of Corporation Road Bridge and the joint council and Freshney Place bid to the Future High Streets Fund, although separate, will also be incorporated.
Ideas the consultation is seeking views on include:
- Exploring a range of different uses for the town centre such as more cafes, restaurants, leisure attractions, business space and new homes. Attracting people of all ages to visit the town centre during the day and evening;
- Aspirations for new homes to be built to create town centre living;
- Better use of the waterfront for recreation and leisure;
- A new Riverhead Square creating more green open space where everyone can enjoy the surroundings and feel safe;
- Better facilities for people who use the buses and for those who walk and cycle;
- A new use for St James’ House.
For more information please email consultation@nelincs.gov.uk or phone 01472 324602. The consultation is also available in hard copy format – please contact us if you would like a copy sending to you.