£745k backing for Grimsby’s heritage project

Nearly £745,000 of funding over the next five years will be awarded as part of Grimsby’s heritage zone to help create a “sense of place” in the town.

North East Lincolnshire Council will receive grants from Historic England, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Engie as part of its plans to regenerate the area.

Senior councillors on the authority’s cabinet approved the funding at a meeting at Grimsby Town Hall.

The Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone will promote reuse of historic buildings along Alexandra Dock, including Victoria Mills, the Cooperage, West Haven Maltings and Haven Mill.

It will also help to create open space for events and activities around St James’ Minster in the town centre.

The overall programme is already worth more than £3.7 million and could be boosted further by grants from additional funders.

St James Square, Grimsby. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

As part of the project, the council will receive £244,000 from Historic England, ABP and Engie over the next four years to support the scheme.

This will include the employment of a full time heritage zone project officer.

Meanwhile, capital funding worth £100,000 a year will also be put up by Historic England until 2024.

The grant will be focused on the Kasbah Conservation area and will help to bring buildings back to life , restore historical features and encourage reuse of empty properties.

Council officials said the project comes as part of the wider £60 million Grimsby Town Deal which looks to regenerate the area.

Grimsby Heritage Action Zone. Picture: North East Lincolnshire Council.

Councillor Peter Wheatley, cabinet member for regeneration, said the funding is a “kick starter” for the town’s heritage.

“It will enable us to put some buildings back into useful life,” he said.

“We hope it will kick start the trail as this is one of the things that this council has set itself up for.”

He added that the scheme will help to build a “sustainable and prosperous future” for the town.

Councillor Gaynor Rogers, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism, said: “It’s a really positive and we are recognising the history and culture that is in the region.”

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