What next for historic (but woefully dilapidated) buildings on Grimsby's Eleanor Street?

The buildings have a distinguished past - but now they are in dire disrepair

AN in-depth report into future options for three historic buildings along Grimsby’s Eleanor Street is under review by  North East Lincolnshire Council.

The authority is now considering the ‘options appraisal’ into the possible future of Numbers 5, 7 and 9.

One is the Grade II listed former art college, and the whole site sits within the Holme Hill Conservation area.

The properties are privately owned, but it was NELC and Historic England which last summer commissioned the appraisal following issues with vandalism, intruders and arson.

The authority is now examining the comprehensive report, which was carried out by Property Regeneration experts Aspinall Verdi along with a team including architects, engineers, and cost consultants.

The council will engage with the owner (whose identity has not been divulged) and stakeholders, not least Historic England.

It is understood the report contains recommendations, but, for the time being, these are being kept under wraps.

Doing nothing is not said to be one of the options.

Says NELC: "The report looks at what could be achieved with regards to grant awards, along with examining the financial implications surrounding the buildings’ future use. 

"It does reference demolition, but due to the structures’ historic importance, it is unlikley that Historic England would  consider this option in advance of greater consideration of potential uses for the preserved structures."

Pending a way forward being found, a further security study of the site has been commissioned and received by Historic England, in conjunction with North East Lincolnshire Council, and shared with the landowner. 

Recommendations around urgent safety works to secure the site, protect the buildings and reduce risk to people are set out within it.

Comments NELC leader, Cllr Philip Jackson: "We hope that we can reach a conclusion and move forward.

"This is what we seek, not least for the benefit of the residents around Eleanor Street who have suffered in the wake of issues created by these buildings and their worsening state of repair.

"Whilst these buildings are privately owned, the council will do all it can to work with the relevant parties to find solutions."

Humberston's famous 'Haywain' trees to be lopped to reduce risk of toppling

The rare trees - heavy surgery beckons 

 

MAJOR canopy-lopping is in prospect for a stretch of  rare black poplar trees  that border the Wilton Road trading estate in Humberston. 

It is feared that they have become top-heavy following works last month to strengthen Buck Beck flood defences - an operation that involved substantial root removal. 

Although thought to be hybrids, the trees (beloved of woodpeckers) are broadly the same as those featured in John Constable's most famous painting, The Haywain. 

                                     

Is there a more famous English landscape painting than The Haywain?

Walls adjacent to the Buck Beck  have been heightened to reduce the risk of flooding 

 

Humberston councillors welcome Pleasure Island revamp scheme - but with significant reservations

                                                  

Admittedly the former theme park has become somewhat scruffy, but there are many trees and shrubs worthy of retention

HUMBERSTON  Village Council says it would welcome redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island theme park - but only if certain conditions are met.

Following its February meeting, it issued a statement which begins: "The village council would welcome redevelopment of this site which currently is an eyesore and does not give a good impression to visitors to the area." 

However, the statement continues: "The council does have reservations on the impact of these proposals on residents in the area and concerns at some aspects of this particular scheme. 

"It would seem an over-intensification of the site to include the lodges and two hotels -  we would question the footfall to sustain this level of development at this site. 

"There is already considerable tourist accommodation in the immediate area, and we would prefer to see more sustainable activities for visitors included in the site rather than just accommodation. 

"We would also ask for a height restriction right across any development on this site so as to negate any impact upon neighbouring residential areas." 

The statement is also concerned at the impact upon the Humber Estuary area of more visitors.

It is seeking a stipulation that nothing north of the Buck Beck is included in any application to provide a bigger buffer zone between development and the estuary.

In the event of the application being approved, the village council is also asking for a planning condition that mature trees are planted on the site, both for the benefit of wildlife and to "assist with screening". 

The Grimsby News says: Along with others, the village council describes the site as an "eyesore", but surely this is so  only because of the  prison-style  perimeter fencing, redundant construction materials and accumulation of  litter. Look beyond, and there are numerous magnificent mature trees and shrubs, while  some of  the buildings have a quirky, medieval-style quaintness. If at least the existing trees and shrubs could be both retained and supplemented, it would surely make for a more attractive and more Nature-friendly redevelopment. 

Plan unveiled to convert former Grimsby Conservative Club building to veterinary practice

 

A new chapter could soon open for the former Conservative Club building at 36 Bargate in Grimsby - as a veterinary practice. An application for change of use (plus alterations and constructions of extension to side and rear) has been submitted by the Abbey Vet Centre which is keen to expand business beyond its existing premises at 2 Augusta Street and 32 Bargate. The firm hopes that, when the proposal comes to be  determined, North East Lincolnshire planners will look more favourable on its scheme than they did on a previous proposal by the Co-op to convert the building to a convenience supermarket.

Grimsby 'lollipop lady' Josie notches up 40 years of helping children to get to school safely

 

Josie: "The children are so funny - they make my day."

A DEDICATED Grimsby ‘lollipop lady’ is celebrating four decades of service to the community - specifically to its children and their parents. 

Josie Hides first put on a hi-vis jacket and picked up a lollipop stick when covering a shift for a friend back in 1983. 

Having never previously considered the role herself, her immediate love for the job soon flourished and she became a ‘lollipop lady’ shortly afterwards. 

Serving multiple schools across the borough, including Edward Heneage Primary Academy, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Welholme Academy, Josie is a welcome sight and local icon. 

For generations, families have looked out for Josie’s bright yellow jacket on their daily commute to and from school and have built a real connection with their local stalwart of road safety.

"I can’t believe it’s been over 40 years,” says Josie, a 'school crossing patrol officer' to use her posher title. "Seeing the kids every day and having banter with them and their parents makes it all worthwhile. 

"Honestly, the kids are just so funny. They make my day!"

Safe and secure - Josie in action 

Civic Society: Pleasure Island project will 'destroy the natural habitats for a wide range of wildlife'

Many of the Pleasure Island trees have been earmarked for felling 

THE Grimsby, Cleethorpes & District Civic Society has warned that the proposed Pleasure Island redevelopment plan - in its present form - will "destroy natural habitat for a wide range of wildlife".

Because of this concern, it says it cannot support the application which, if approved, would result in construction of a Lidl supermarket, with possibly, in future, a B&M store, two hotels and holiday cabins.

The society says it also objects to the proposed entrance off Meridian Way, Cleethorpes. 

In a submision to North East Lincolnshire planners, it states: "This narrow road already feeds traffic on to a caravan/camp site and a car park. 

"It is not suitable to cater for further vehicular access."

Other individual residents have also submitted their comments - some favourable, some less so - on the scheme pending a decision.

Cinema boss: Anything that gives people reason to stop 'poking at their smartphones' is good idea

                                                                   

New vision for Freshney Place, Grimsby - a place of  shops and leisure 

AN upbeat note on the proposed cinema in Grimsby's Freshney Place has been sounded by the man who will be running it.

Says Parkway Entertainment Ltd director Richard Parkes: "We are  delighted that the plans to reinvigorate Freshney Place continue to move ahead. 

"It’s all about bringing unused retail space back to life and attracting people into the town centre."

Some people have expressed doubts whether there will be sufficient business to support Parkway's existing cinema in Cleethorpes and its proposed new one in Grimsby, but these are not shared by Mr Parkes.

"The latter will be very different from the one in Cleethorpes,"he continues. "There is more than one type and style of restaurant, more than just one type of pub - cinemas are the same. 

"A town centre cinema will have a different feel and style to a big seafront cinema, even if they are offering the same sorts of films, it will be a different experience."

What about the long-term future of cinema? Cue more optimism from Mr Parkes.

"Cinema has supposedly been dead many, many times," he continues. "TV was going to kill it. So was VHS, then satellite TV, then Netflix, and most recently COVID. 

"It simply isn’t the case. 

"Avatar 2 came out just before Christmas, and it has already taken more than $2-billion worldwide to become one of top ten biggest films ever. 

"Anybody who saw Top Gun Maverick on a big screen knows that the cinema experience is not just alive and well, but, with enhanced screens and sound,  probably better than ever.

"The Internet may have changed the world, but it has not changed how we are - people want to gather together, meet friends and spend time with their families.

"It used to be mainly driven by retail, but now it’s also about leisure. 

"Anything that gives people a good enough reason to stop poking at their smartphones and go out and do something is a good idea."

With planning permission for the redevelopment granted just last Wednesday, North East Lincolnshire Council is keen to move quickly.

Vacant shop units will be stripped out, and the former BHS building will be demolished.

The market will continue to operate from its current base until the new market hall has been built."

Last word to NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson: "Parkway are local, they are committed, and they want to bring about a positive change within our town centre, and that is just what we are looking for."