Grimsby transport hub 'will enhance other regenerational activities', but final cost unknown

Osborne Street in Grimsby - the units will be demolished to make way for the transport hub
-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)


A transport hub in Grimsby town centre will "enhance other regenerational activities" in the area, a senior councillor has said. Its final cost, however, is unknown.

North East Lincolnshire Council's Cabinet approved on September 18 plans to demolish units in Osborne Street, to make way for a transport hub between Osborne Street and Garden Street. The council bought a 1.6 acre site in June 2022, including 3-15 Osborne Street.

The demolition of the Osborne Street units will be completed by spring, and done at the same time as Abbey Walk Car Park's demolition, for logistical reasons. The hub's design is not finalised, but a council report to cabinet mentions plans for family orientated elements, a quiet area, and retails units within. There is even suggestion it could have a green roof, with planting.

READ MORE:Well-known Scartho building to be transformed into nine luxury homes

READ MORE:Academy Trust removing access to smartphones from pupils

Abbey Walk Car Park is being demolished after it was closed in May due to structural issues. Cabinet approved its demolition and replacement with a ground level-only car park of up to 120 spaces, subject to a full review of town centre parking provision.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, said: "These are two much-needed schemes for our town centre. We have wanted to improve the transport offer for Grimsby town centre for some time. These schemes will help us connect people with the town centre, drive use of the town centre and is a good fit alongside the money being spent on improving the town centre too.

"The residents of North East Lincolnshire deserve a fit for purpose transportation hub that allows quick easy access to public transport services in a central location near to rail, retail and town centre amenities, and that’s what we want to give them." The hub would consolidate current bus stops on George Street, Victoria Street West, Town Hall Street, and Town Hall Square.

Transport Hub in 'ideal location'

Cllr Swinburn said at cabinet, it "will complement and enhance other regeneration activities across the wider town centre".

He added: "I'm sure that once it's all completed, it will be something people will look back on and say what a fantastic development it's been." Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, called it the "final key of the jigsaw" to regenerate that part of town.

"This is great news," said council leader Cllr Philip Jackson. "I think it's fair to say one of the comments from members of the public is the problems by having the buses distributed all around the town centre." It was "an ideal location" that would be easy for buses to get in and out of.

Cllr Philip Jackson, pictured, said progress on the multi-functional transport hub 'is great news'
Cllr Philip Jackson, pictured, said progress on the multi-functional transport hub 'is great news' -Credit:Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive

Unknown final costs

The council report discussed at cabinet says it "will include elements that will make it more family orientated, plus, quiet areas for
reflection, whilst retaining its historic nature". It could increase town centre biodiversity too, with possible "planting with rainwater captured from a green and live roof".

The hub's final cost is not yet known. The council has secured £3.6m external funding already. This is made up of £1.7m from the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), and £1.9m through Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal brownfield development cash.

It was unsuccessful in 2022 with a Levelling Up Fund bid of up to £20m for the hub. The previous Conservative government pledged last year £120m cash for North East Lincolnshire transport generally from the scrapping of HS2. But this possible funding is in doubt, with the new Labour government reviewing previous transport infrastructure commitments.

Costings will only become clearer when a detailed design is out to tender. There are inflationary risks and at this point in the project "still a number of unknowns", the council report states.

Abbey Walk Car Park, Grimsby
Abbey Walk Car Park, Grimsby -Credit:Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive

Abbey Walk Car Park

Abbey Walk Car Park's demolition and replacement is provisionally costed at between £1.5-£2.5m, with a 12-18 month timescale. Cllr Swinburn said it had "been decided that the best way for cost value would be to demolish the car park".

Cllr Jackson said: "I have to say Abbey Walk Car Park has never been my favourite building in the town centre, and I don't think it's got a great deal of architectural merit to be honest." He did mention he understood there were concerns about reliefworks on the building.

It is uncertain whether the Harold Gosney artworks on the external structure can be preserved. The council is exploring options and will meet the artist.

"I think it's actually a major improvement, to my mind, to the town centre," felt Cllr Jackson, as it would open up views of the southern part of town. He also believed the ground-level only car park and a £150,000 upgrade of Burgess Street Car Park would ensure adequate parking capacity.

There is some scepticism about the rationale on Abbey Walk Car Park. Speaking to Grimsby Live, Independents for North East Lincolnshire Group Cllr Steve Holland said a scrutiny panel last week had seen him told there was no business case for the Abbey Walk decision. Without a business case, he felt it was difficult to understand whether it is a good choice.