March 11, 2019 3.29 pm This story is over 59 months old

Designs revealed for £1.5m Grimsby square refurbishment

Some improvements coming to Grimsby

Final designs have been agreed for a £1.5 million revamp of Grimsby’s St James Square as part of the council’s regeneration plans.

Senior councillors on North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet backed designs which will see the area become a “tranquil and enclosed green space”.

The final masterplan will see a tiered landscape in the square in order to provide views of Grimsby Minster and to be used for seating at outdoor events.

Further proposals will see improvements to CCTV and lighting, as well as moving the Fishermen’s Memorial onto a higher plinth to allow gatherings.

Designs for St James Square, Grimsby.

The project has been supported with £1.3 million from the government’s Local Growth Fund,  which was secured by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.

The authority has backed the rest of the project from its own budget.

Meanwhile, the council hopes the scheme will become the starting point of the Heritage Trail, linking the town centre to the Kasbah.

Work is expected to start on the project in Autumn 2019 and will be completed over two phases.

The plan is a compromise of two options that were outlined for the area at public consultation.

Entrance to St James Square, Grimsby. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

Councillor Peter Wheatley, cabinet member for regeneration, said the plans for the square will help to improve it for the long term.

“We have had a compromise on the plans,” he said.

“I would recommend this as something that will bring the area into the 21st century.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Gaynor Rogers, cabinet member for culture, tourism and heritage, said the proposal will bring more culture to Grimsby.

“I think it is a fantastic plan for events, art and culture,” she said.

“It will help us to increase all of that for North East Lincolnshire.”

Lord Haskins, Chair of the Humber LEP said: “This scheme is an exciting opportunity to make the most of Grimsby’s Heritage Action Zone and create a valued public space that can be enjoyed by all.

“By making these improvements to St. James Square, the area will be given an increased vibrancy, which will encourage further investment.”

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