Former Cleethorpes bank to be turned into apartment and retail space

The former NatWest bank in Sea View Street, Cleethorpes, is to be converted into a residence and retail unit
-Credit: (Image: barkerproudlove.co.uk)


A Cleethorpes bank that was in use for almost 100 years will be converted into an apartment and retail.

NatWest closed the doors of its Sea View Street branch for the last time in March 2023. A bank had been established at the site since 1925.

The building was subsequently put on the market, with a price tag of £275,000. An application to turn it into a two-bed apartment and retail unit was made this summer, and has been granted planning approval this month.

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Read on below for more detail about the conversion, and other latest planning developments in North East Lincolnshire, including an alteration to the Horizon Youth Zone project in Grimsby.

Cleethorpes former bank's conversion

A retail unit will be created on the ground floor of the former bank. No further details on the type of shop are specified. But the application form estimates it will employ four people, two full-time.

A self-contained two-bed flat will be created on the first and second floors. Grimsby-based developer Chester Investments Group Ltd was the applicant. Council planning has approved it, viewing the proposed conversion as "considered to be acceptable and compatible in this area".

The bank shut in 2023 due to dwindling numbers of customers in its last years.

Healing homes

Two detached homes are proposed off Great Coates Road, Healing. The host property "sits on a substantial plot" which allows the opportunity to create additional homes, an application document states.

The homes would be low-level bungalows, one-and-a-half storey high. A vehicle turning area would be created to enable cars to enter and exit in forward gear.

The application emphasises sustainable aspects of the development. It notes not only its proximity to existing local services and facilities, but also that the plans include the likes of south-facing solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

Artist's impression of completed Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby, from Garth Lane
Artist's impression of completed Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby, from Garth Lane -Credit:North East Lincolnshire Council

Horizon Youth Zone more daylight for a craft space

Two applications have been made for minor alterations to the overall OnSide Horizon Youth Zone project, which is based at West Haven Maltings and Garth Buildings. Essentially, two new windows are proposed instead of a door opening to the south face of building two, which faces out onto the river, to provide more daylight for potential craft activities.

The site is Grade II listed, so listed consent is required for the modest change to the plans. A heritage justification statement for the listed consent explains it is a building to be rented out. Double doors were planned to create a flexible space with direct riverside access to maximise its attractiveness.

But recently OnSide Youth Zones have established a potential use for the building that would complement its Youth Zone activities. It would be a 'Makers Space' "providing accommodation for undertaking various craft skills".

The riverside access is consequently not necessary anymore. But there is a need to provide extra natural daylight, hence the proposed two new windows.

Building of the Youth Zone itself continues apace. It is due to open in Summer 2025. It will feature the likes of an indoor climbing wall, four-court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, and 3G kick pitch. Children will be able to participate for as little as 50p a session.

Based on data from four other Youth Zones that opened between 2017 to 2019, it is expected that 5,000 young people will join Grimsby Youth Zone within 12 months of its opening.