Grimsby Town Deal ‘needs to make progress’ following extra £4m investment

North East Lincolnshire Council leaders said the authority “needs to make progress” on the Town Deal following newly announced investment in Grimsby as part of the project.

Nearly £4 million will be pumped in derelict buildings in Grimsby as part of a Youth Zone scheme in the town

As part of the Town Deal, Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, unveiled the additional funding today which will breathe new life into the site on Garth Lane.

Mr Berry announced the extra £3.75 million for the town centre plans, including the Youth Zone.

The additional money, including £21 million since last year’s announcement, takes the town deal investment up to £88 million.

Mr Berry said the extra investment will help the town to move forward with its plans.

He said: “The investment we’re making through the UK’s first Town Deal will help drive forward regeneration, create new opportunities for residents, young and old, and ensure the future for Grimsby is a bright and prosperous one.

Grimsby MP, Melanie One, with Martin Vickers, Cleethorpes MP and Northern Powerhouse minister, Jake Berry. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

“This regeneration strategy builds on our work across the Northern Powerhouse and is an essential part of our modern Industrial Strategy, creating jobs and training opportunities, while supporting businesses across the North and the rest of the UK.”

The Youth Zone project, which will be led by charity OnSite, is expected to be created at the grade-II listed West Haven Maltings buildings.

The site has been empty for some time and the council is currently finalising a purchase of the buildings.

Councillor John Fenty, cabinet member for regeneration at North East Lincolnshire Council, said he hoped the authority now needed to “make progress” on the projects.

He added that the town and surrounding areas in Immingham and Cleethorpes needed to be “revived”.

“The combination of Immingham, Grimsby and Cleethorpes is a terrific one for the future,” he said.

“We need to get the message out there that we are a place to do business and we are a place to come live, work and play.”

He added: “It’s my job on the coalface with officers to ensure that we deliver and make progress where in the past we have failed.”

Leading politicians sign off on the Greater Grimsby Town deal in July 2018, securing £67 million investment for the town. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

Meanwhile, Grimsby MP, Melanie Onn, said she wanted to see the education element of the town deal come to fruition.

“I really want to see the next stage of the education and skills element,” she said.

“Alongside the higher education provision that we are hoping to get in partnership with the University of Lincoln, it will bring with it student accommodation.

“That will mean we will revitalise and re-purpose the town centre as we have different clientele coming in and using it and hopefully that will bring more business investment so that we see the success of our high street which is really important to people.”

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