Town square redevelopment plans get the go-ahead

Plans to transform Riverhead Square in central Grimsby were approved at a Cabinet meeting yesterday evening (16 November).

The remodelled area is being funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects.

New designs for the square have been produced by Arup Landscape Design.

Comments received during consultations have helped shape the vision for the revamped public area, and the final plans reflect a desire to see a new public square to bring the community together with events and activities – the town centre’s “heart”, which makes more of its waterfront.

Public comments included: “We would like to see more green spaces and places to relax,” and: “I love the idea of creating nice social space around the water.” Another said: “Reuse the old buildings to make them look new and full of life again.”

Early work on the Square in the last few years included improving the paving and providing new balustrade railings along the dock edge.

The new designs will incorporate “a lot more” green space and planting into the area, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastructure to support future events and activities. There is also space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place.

The decision last night means that some Town Deal money for the scheme will be released and allow it to progress, with work starting on site in early 2023.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council said: “We’re really starting to press ahead with schemes on the ground now. This, along with our plans for the other end of Freshney Place that are now in the planning system, and our acquisition of Freshney Place itself, will really make a difference to how the town centre operates.

“It is vital for our whole borough that we look at Grimsby Town Centre with a real determination to attract families and people of all ages, so we can bring vibrancy back and make it a place where people want to visit at all times of the day.”