WORK TO START NEXT WEEK ON £1.5M ST JAMES’ SQUARE REVAMP
SCHEME WILL TAKE 42 WEEKS TO COMPLETE
WORK to transform St James’ Square in Grimsby town centre will begin next week.
North East Lincolnshire Council will start a £1.5m project on Monday that will see St James’ Square transformed into a new familyfriendly space.
The scheme will take 42 weeks to complete and there will be limited access to the square during that time.
The work will see the installation of street furniture, noticeboards and enhanced landscaping to allow for events.
There will also be a new planting scheme to open the square up, new lighting, CCTV and The Fisherman’s Memorial Statue will remain a key feature.
The development is part of a wider scheme to unlock the potential of Grimsby town centre, which is being supported with approximately £3.4 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund. This was secured by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership. The work had been scheduled to start in March, but due to the coronavirus lockdown, it was postponed.
However, some preliminary work has taken place to remove three structurally damaged trees and a project to provide art pieces for the square has begun. Welcoming the start of the work, Canon Dodd, of Grimsby Minster, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to see the square redeveloped as a real space for art and community activity with an appealing design that encourages such. It will become more open, accessible, safe and welcoming.
“It is intended to work with people from all different aspects of our community and that is just how it should be. All at the minster welcome this.”
These words were echoed by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration, Councillor John Fenty, who said: “There has long been a need to look at the design of the current square and how it can be changed to create a space that encourages family use and enables the staging of events that are attractive for all.
“This project will realise that and is part of our major look at how we encourage such activity across Grimsby town centre with work also focusing on other areas, such as Garth Lane.”
Interim chair of the Humber LEP Stephen Parnaby OBE said: “We are really pleased a contribution from the Local Growth Fund is helping to unlock growth in Grimsby town centre and that work has begun to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment which will enhance St James’ Square.”
The council is also inviting people to take part in the “Our Haven” arts project, which is supported by the cultural development fund, and funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and administered by Arts Council England.
The project is managed by Grimsby company Our Big Picture Ltd.
A main artist will work with the local community and groups to steer the feel, shape and style of the artwork.
It will focus on the “decoration” of static furniture and appropriate space, while looking at signposting – or wayfinding - to other points of interest within walking distance. Our Haven is also looking at similar work in Garth Lane. Anyone interested should email Paula at paula@ourbigpicture.co. uk.