A vision to create modern, smart homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby’s town centre are taking a step forward.
Following discussions between North East Lincolnshire Council and Homes England, central Government funding has been agreed to allow investigative work to take place at Alexandra Dock.
This will centre on six-acres of council-owned land behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and walkway alongside the water.
Around two weeks of specialist contract work, which starts on Monday 3 July, will determine the land type and what is beneath the surface – essential investigations ahead of preparing the site further.
This area 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.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council with responsibilities for the economy, net zero, skills and housing, said: “The main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet.
“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. Step-by-step we want to change how our centre is used and enjoyed as a whole.”
Just last week OnSide celebrated the start of its redevelopment of the redundant West Haven Maltings into a state-of-the art Youth Zone and work continues to redevelop Riverhead Square. This comes on the back of the new Garth Lane bridge and pathways, the multi-million-pound Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme, and the redevelopment of St James’ Square and St James’ House – the latter is becoming an E-Factor Business Hub.