New chapter set to open for Riverhead Square building that used to be home to a bank

The former home of the Royal Bank of Scotland

GRIMSBY’S revamped Riverhead Square could soon be welcoming its first new retail investor - a charity shop.

A Christian organisation has been given the planning green light to convert the former bank building opposite the square to a "multi-purpose community hub".

This will provide recreation and education for clients, plus “commercial facilities” - thought to be a shop selling pre-owned goods.

The application submitted by CARE (Christian Action and Resource Enterprise Ltd) did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by case officer Owen Toop.

In his consent statement, Mr Toop says: "The community use proposed should contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre and create opportunities for social interaction. 

"The building will be visually enhanced with a sympathetic extension and shopfront works which are key to bringing the proposal back into use for its function as a community use.

"It is considered that the use would maintain the vitality of the area and indeed protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area".

The building - which is located at 86-88 - dates back to Victorian times when there was a shop on the ground floor with living quarters above.

Some will remember it as the Grimsby branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The bank left in 2018 since when there was a successful application to convert the property to an adult gaming centre, but this never proceeded.

The property has been targeted by CARE, an unsung charity which does much great work, because it has outgrown its existing premises on Hainton Avenue.

It has been fundraising to achieve the £80,000 it reckons will be required to renovate the prestigiously-located building.

A condition of the consent is that the external renovation should accommodate at least one bat box and, under the eaves, two swift nest boxes.

How the building looked in yesteryear

                                                     

Care's shop on Alexandra Road in Cleethorpes