Fisherman’s Memorial statue leaves St James’ Square for renovation
LANDMARK TAKEN AWAY AS PART OF £1.8M REVAMP
THE large bronze Fisherman’s Memorial statue proudly dominating St James’ Square in Grimsby has been removed for renovation. Dedicated to all the fishermen who set sailed and never returned, it was designed by Grimsby sculptor, Trevor Harries and paid for by public subscription. It was erected in 2005.
After taking specialist advice on lifting, it was hoisted on to a lorry yesterday and taken away to be cleaned.
The bronze figure, standing 12ft, will be fitted with a York stone plinth before being returned to The Square and repositioned as part of the £1.8 million transformation of the area into a familyfriendly public space.
A North East Lincolnshire Council spokeswoman said: “After seeking specialist advice on its lifting, required due to its weight and shape, slings were secured, and a crane slowly raised it from its present base and placed it onto a low-loader.” Ahead of the removal, town MP Lia Nici and North East Lincolnshire Council Deputy Leader and Head of Regeneration, Councillor John Fenty, viewed the progress of the overall works.
The development is part of a wider scheme to unlock the potential of
Grimsby town centre. The Square, part of the Heritage Action Zone, is undergoing a £1.8m overhaul with new furniture, planting, lighting and CCTV.
Managed by North East Lincolnshire Council’s regeneration partner ENGIE, funding for the project was secured from the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (Humber LEP) as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. Addressing some of the past issues that people had experienced in the Square, Councillor Fenty said: “We are looking at holistic solutions to tackling some of the problems, such as antisocial behaviour. We know that homelessness is also an issue and that is a real focus of local concern for us. We are determined not to turn a blind eye but to deal with it.
“What we are doing here in this Square, and in other areas, will have a massive impact upon driving footfall in and around the town centre, it is a new opportunity for the whole area,” he added.
In addition to the main works in the Square, further monies from the Cultural Development Fund, (CDF), which is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture and Media and Sport and administered by Arts Council England, was won to introduce creativity and art.