A well-known mosaic in Grimsby’s Freshney Place shopping centre has been demolished as part of ongoing redevelopment works, despite efforts to preserve it.
The artwork, created in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, became the focus of local campaigns earlier this year, with over 1,250 people signing a petition to save it. Groups like the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society also advocated for its retention.
North East Lincolnshire Council said it explored options to remove the mosaic tile by tile but found it was too damaged to survive extraction. Experts warned the piece was cracking significantly during removal attempts, making it impossible to preserve in its original form.
While some residents have expressed frustration, the council maintains that heritage concerns were carefully considered. It confirmed that specialist advice was sought and that scans and high-resolution images were taken before demolition.
These images will now be used to create a full-scale reproduction in a new location. The council has promised to involve the community in selecting a site for the display, ensuring the artwork’s legacy continues in a different form as part of the Freshney Place regeneration.
