North East Lincolnshire heritage projects get £250,000 National Lottery grant
A programme to build upon North East Lincolnshire’s Creativity Strategy has secured a £250,000 grant to help achieve the area’s vision for heritage.
North East Lincolnshire Council has been given the grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a programme that will drive community-led heritage projects across Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes and the Wolds. This will further the Council’s aim to support organisations in the area to share stories that celebrate the past and help shape the future.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “At the Heritage Fund, we believe in the power of heritage to create positive and lasting change, now and in the future. We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy.
“This is why we are delighted to make this award through our Heritage Places initiative and continue our support for the heritage-driven regeneration of North East Lincolnshire. Thanks to National Lottery players, by empowering local people to explore their stories in their own way, this work will allow community-led placemaking and heritage to thrive.”
In October 2023, North East Lincolnshire was one of nine locations chosen to receive support over the next 10 years as part of the Heritage Fund’s new UK-wide Heritage Places initiative, which is designed to boost local economies and instil pride in place in towns and cities across the country.
This announcement came just as the Heritage Fund’s previous place-based initiative ended, where North East Lincolnshire was one of 13 ‘Areas of Focus’ across the UK that received targeted support to apply for project funding between 2019 – 2024.
The Areas of Focus work kick-started the heritage-led regeneration of the area, seeing National Lottery grants totaling £5.7 million awarded to 29 projects, including The Horizon Onside Youth Zone, Peterson’s Project at Grimsby Docks, Weelsby Hall and Grimsby Falfest.
This new funding, the first share of the Heritage Fund’s £200 million Heritage Places initiative to be awarded in the North of England, will help the Council to build on this work. The programme will prioritise extensive community engagement to further map out and develop heritage needs, activities and future opportunities that will inform a long-term strategic plan for heritage in North East Lincolnshire.
A Community Engagement and Development Co-ordinator will be recruited to lead the new programme. They will be tasked with empowering local communities and organisations to develop heritage projects that are meaningful to them, with an aim to conserve and protect more unique historical landmarks, promote cultural events and connect people to their local heritage.
The programme will take learnings from other North East Lincolnshire heritage initiatives including the Heritage Network, Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage Programme and Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news, and really builds on the work the team has been doing to highlight our amazing heritage in the borough. We’re proud to be the first Heritage Place to be awarded in the North of England, and I’d personally like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for believing in the work we’re doing in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and beyond, preserving and showcasing our past for future generations.”
Alford’s assets to be transformed with £8m funding
Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill are set to be transformed after East Lindsey District Council secured £8m of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government funding to regenerate the facilities and ensure they have a financially stable future.
The ambitious projects seek to preserve and enhance the heritage of each site, bring new culture opportunities to people in Alford as well as supporting the local economy and wider Lincolnshire Wolds and coastal visitor economy.
Separate planning applications have now been submitted for Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill, both of which aim to create additional uses and attract more visitors to the Lincolnshire Wolds all year round.
The planning applications have been validated and will now be assessed by planning officers following a period of public consultation with the local community and stakeholders. A decision is expected in Autumn 2024 for both sites.
The £2.05 million project at Alford Manor House proposes a new permanent, flexible event space to replace the temporary marquee which has been in place since 2006. The event space will provide the ability for the Manor House to provide function space for at least 100 people at all times of the year for such occasions as funeral teas, concerts, weddings and craft market stalls. The event space will allow good access to the Manor House and the surrounding gardens.
The £1.1m scheme for Alford Windmill suggests a new visitor centre and holiday accommodation created on the site. It will include a bakery, café, and shop in one of the preexisting outbuildings to help support ongoing costs, maintenance, repairs, and conservation for the future of the windmill. The café will sell local produce as well as bakery produce using flour milled on site once the windmill is restored.
Plans also include expanding the car park which could offer the potential for coach trips. The proposed café will seat around 44 covers with the option to serve even more people outside.
In 2023 East Lindsey District Council secured £8 million to support the regeneration schemes for these sites as well as Spilsby Sessions House.
Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council said: “Both applications are vitally important to the community of Alford as well as the wider district and so I am delighted that government funding will give a new lease of life and offer for visitors to come to the town and enjoy these facilities.
“Both plans have been put together in a way that respects the heritage of the sites as well as being ambitious to ensure they both have a financial stable future and are attractive to residents, visitors and holidaymakers who may want to visit.”
John Smith, Alford Windmill Trustee, said: “We are pleased to see that the project to reopen and develop the site for Alford Windmill has taken another big step forward, following the submission of the planning application.
“When the site has been completed, we can’t wait to open the redeveloped spaces for people to explore and enjoy, with the education centre for people to learn more about where their food comes from, a fantastic new holiday home for people to visit and a new bakery where visitors can sample quality local products.
Alongside the improvements being made at Alford Manor House, we can help to improve the heritage and tourism offer in Alford.”
Ongo unveils ambition to build hundreds of new homes
Social housing provider Ongo is continuing its development plans in West Lindsey with the ambition of building hundreds of new homes.
Martin Phillips, Development Manager at Ongo said: “These developments exemplify our commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities that cater to diverse housing need.
“We have huge development plans over the coming years, with lots of these in newer areas for us, like West Lindsey. These are not only for affordable rent, which is in huge demand, but to help people get on the property ladder too.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with West Lindsey District Council, who have been a pleasure to work alongside, and of course our fantastic customers and partners who are helping to shape a brighter future the region.”
Sarah Elvin, Homes & Health Team Manager at West Lindsey District Council said: “We are really excited to have Ongo as a partner delivering much needed affordable housing for families across the District. This is something that is identified as a priority in our Corporate Plan.
“The need for affordable housing has never been greater in the difficult financial times we are in and Ongo’s ambitious plans in West Lindsey are assisting us to meet the identified housing needs of our residents.
“Ongo are a fantastic partner having worked alongside them at every stage of development process through to allocation and we are looking forward to the delivery of this next phase of developments for the people of West Lindsey.”
More than 40 homes were complete between April 2023 to March 2024, 90% of which were delivered for rent, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down with 176 to be built.
Those handed over include 11 homes at Thonock Vale, 10 at Marton Meadows and 13 at Foxby Lane, all in Gainsborough.
A further 12, including four for shared ownership were completed at Rose Gardens in Lea. These were constructed using modern timber frame methods, with energy-efficient features such as air source heat pumps and solar panels.
In the pipeline are properties at Thonock Vale and Heapham Road in Gainsborough, Morton Road in Nettleton, North Moor Road at Scotter, Ruby Road at Keelby, and at Greetwell.
Grantham park commemorates 100th anniversary
Wyndham Park has hosted a special ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its naming and opening.
The council-owned park in Grantham memorialises Captain Reginald Wyndham, killed in action at Ypres in Belgium in 1914.
His mother the Dowager Lady Leconfield bequeathed £1,000 to mark her son’s Grantham connections, with a significant military gathering in the park for the opening.
Members of the Wyndham family joined senior representatives of The Life Guards, Capt Wyndham’s regiment, including its Colonel Lt Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE and Gold Stick.
Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant Toby Dennis also attended, along with Royal British Legion representatives and elected councillors from South Kesteven District Council and Grantham Town Council.
Combined Cadet Force representatives from the Kings School marched through the park.
Cllr Richard Dixon Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “It was an absolute privilege to attend the service and to witness how important this park is to the Wyndham family and their ancestor’s Regiment, The Life Guards.”
The ceremony replicated parts of the original 1924 service and was officiated by Padre Ivan Linton from Prince William of Gloucester barracks.
It included an address by Lord Egremont, head of the Wyndham family, tracing Reggie Wyndham’s life and local links, voluntary service in WW1 and determination to lead his men at Ypres, plus a reading by Lt Col Duncan Lowe, Head of Establishment at PWOG.
Lt Col Ray Ogg BEM, King’s School cadet Contingent Commander, was later presented by Toby Dennis with the 6th Bar to his Cadet Force Medal issued in 1985.
The ceremony was organised by the Wyndham Park Forum.
Image credit: Google maps
Ukrainian refugees in North East Lincolnshire to take part in immersive art project
Ukrainian refugees living in North East Lincolnshire are to take part in an immersive project fronted by Arts & Heritage organisation Our Big Picture in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council.
“The Living Room” will see families and adults take part in reproducing a traditional Ukrainian living room in Grimsby. The installation will include tablecloths using authentic patterns and materials as well as handmade ‘Motanka’ dolls.
These dolls were first produced around 5,000 years ago and are thought to be a family talisman, representing goodwill and hope amongst other things.
Helping the refugees along the way will be artists Lucy Brooke and Lauren Saunders. Speaking about the collaboration, Jo Shaw, Arts & Heritage Programme Manager at Our Big Picture said she was excited to see what the group creates.
“In previous workshops with the refugees, we learnt how important art and culture was to them and for Ukraine as a country. With that in mind, we wanted to recreate that here and get as many people involved as possible.
“We want to be able to celebrate the Ukrainian community that is here in North East Lincolnshire. In addition, we hope it will help others explore how different countries live through the items we produce.”
Jo explained that Ukrainians often have certain patterns or materials in their living room which they will be looking to bring into the piece. On top of the physical installation, they hope to have contributors detailing other traditional items that you may see in a typical Ukrainian living room.
She added: “So far, the groups seem to be really enjoying the project. They’re excited to showcase their way of life to others and educate people on their culture.”
The project will culminate in an exhibition over the Summer where the public will be able to explore the finished living room and learn about the different items that are in it.
Sessions run biweekly on a Thursday for adults from 10am to 12pm and on Saturday for families, held from 2.30pm to 4pm at Our Big Picture on Bethlehem Street, Grimsby.
The exhibition will run from Tuesday, 13 August, to Friday, 17 August, with an event being held on the 17th to showcase the participants’ work.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Lincoln receives gift from antipodean namesake
Diana Mislov, Mayor of Port Lincoln in Australia, presented a beautiful aboriginal painting to the Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Alan Briggs, during her visit to Lincoln earlier this week.
She was in England to attend the reburial ceremony of Captain Matthew Flinders in his birthplace of Donington, Lincolnshire.
The reburial of Captain Matthew Flinders took place at the church of St. Mary and the Holy Rood in Donington after originally being buried in St. James’ Burial Ground in Camden, Australia. The ceremony was attended by many officials, including Mayor Mislov and Deputy Mayor Jack Ritchie from Port Lincoln, alongside Councillor Briggs and the Civic Party from Lincoln.
Captain Matthew Flinders, a renowned British navigator and cartographer, is celebrated for leading the first inshore circumnavigation of mainland Australia. In 1802, on his ship ‘The Investigator’, Flinders entered a harbour in South Australia and named it ‘Port Lincoln’ in honour of his Lincolnshire heritage. This historical connection led to the twinning of Lincoln and Port Lincoln in 1991.
On 14 July 2024 a special Evensong service at the Cathedral took place in honour of Captain Flinders. During their stay, Mayor Mislov and Deputy Mayor Ritchie explored Lincoln visiting several significant venues.
The highlight of the visit was at the historic Guildhall, where Mayor Mislov presented Mayor Briggs with a stunning painting by Jenna Richards. It tells the story of the Seven Sisters detailing the journey of the sisters, embracing femininity and women working together for each other, family and community. This artwork symbolises the strong and lasting relationship between Lincoln and Port Lincoln, forged through shared history.
Coin Briggs said: “It was an honour to meet such wonderful people on such an historic occasion. The beautiful gift was well received and a reminder of our twinning relationship with Port Lincoln.
“It will be displayed in City Hall for all to see. I look forward to continuing a long and happy relationship with the good people of Port Lincoln!”
Draft designs approved to change the face of Cleethorpes
Draft designs that will change the appearance of Cleethorpes Market Place and Pier Gardens with the help of an £18.4m government grant have been agreed, and detailed designing can now begin.
The centre of the Market Place is to be pedestrianised for parts of the day, allowing for cafes and public events. This will swallow up most of the parking spaces, though lay-bys and drop off zones will still feature in the plans within Market Place to make sure businesses have access for deliveries.
Additionally, changes are being progressed to convert High Street Car Park into a short stay only car park. The unused land behind the Old Vic pub, is also proposed to be converted into a public car park of around 40 spaces.
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said: “We are having discussions with businesses. We know that there are concerns, but we’ve also seen in other areas across the country what these sort of projects do to help local economies, and what the possibilities are.
The Pier Garden design harks back to the historic use of space, where people went to spend time. The new vision brings people of all ages and abilities together, and creates a more family orientated area, alongside areas for quiet reflection and education, whilst also increasing biodiversity in the resort.
The design proposes a “zoning” system to provide this mix of uses, which will provide a mixture of uses across the park with a consistent theme throughout.
- – arrival space at Sea Road/Alexandra Road junction, creating a welcoming space to the gardens;
- – events zone to support a mixture of activities/events that could take place;
- – play/recreation zone which would consist of a larger central space and provide a mixture of activities for young and older children alike;
- – reflection zone at the Sea View Street end of the gardens supporting the existing armed forces memorials that are situated there.
Council believes its solar farm objections haven’t been given due regard
West Lindsey District Council believes planners have failed to give sufficient consideration to its objections to the Gate Burton Energy Park just south of Gainsborough.
The development near the communities of Gate Burton, Knaith Park and Willingham-By-Stow covers about 834 hectares comprising of ground mounted solar panels, battery energy storage, substation and associated infrastructure works.
Specific concerns were raised in relation to the loss of agricultural land and impact on national food security, landscape and visual impact, impact on the local communities and concerns regarding highways implications.
Cllr Emma Bailey, Vice Chair of the council’s Prosperous Communities Committee, said: “The news that the Gate Burton Energy Park has been approved is deeply disappointing. It is clear from the decision report that the impact of this development on our local communities, together with the loss of prime agricultural land has been put to one side and not given due regard.”
Four further solar development proposals for land across West Lindsey are at varying stage of the nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) consenting process.
Cllr Bailey added: “With more proposals in the pipeline the council will be lobbying for the thorough and transparent consideration of the cumulative impacts of the developments, which across our district are significant and disproportionate. The Council do not accept that the benefit of solar development outweighs what are considerable social, economic and environmental impacts for cumulative developments at this scale.
“As a host authority in the consenting process, West Lindsey District Council provided formal relevant representations and a local impact report, highlighting the impact of the development on our communities.”
Mablethorpe’s £13.5m leisure centre opens to public
A £13.5 million leisure centre with swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness facilities will open its doors to the public tomorrow.
Station Leisure & Learning Centre in Mablethorpe has been delivered by East Lindsey District Council to bring transformational health and wellbeing opportunities to local residents. The new leisure venue will be operated by Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture.
The Council secured Government funding through the Town Deal, supported by the Connected Coast Board which oversees the delivery of the Towns Fund in Mablethorpe and Skegness. Construction started in March last year and has been completed on schedule by contractors, ISG.
The facility is the first Town Deal scheme to be completed and delivered by the Council with the Colonnade at Sutton on Sea and the Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe also progressing.
The Leisure and Learning Centre includes:
- A four-lane, 25m long and 1.2m deep swimming pool
- State-of-the-art fitness equipment
- An exercise class programme including instructor-led and virtual classes.
- The Signal Box: The community space bringing learning to the local East Lindsey area
- Study Hubs: Providing social workspace for everyone
- Whistle Stop Bistro:
- Activity Game and Obstacle Arena, MagnaTAG
- A new outdoor play area for the community
South Lincolnshire Councils Partnership appoints Director of Economic Development
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has appointed Pranali Parikh as its Director of Economic Development.
Her directorate responsibilities will be to deliver planning, economy and cultural development, and she will be instrumental in driving forward the growth ambitions and priorities for the Partnership.
In her previous role, Pranali was Director for Growth and Regeneration at Melton Borough Council for six years where she was pivotal in the council’s successful Levelling Up funding bid, enhancing regeneration and boosting the town’s reputation as the ‘rural capital of food.’
Partnership working has been a consistent theme for Pranali, having also worked as Regeneration Service Manager for Alliance of High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
Her first role in local Government was Principal Regeneration Manager for Derby City Council and before that she was Urban Design Manager at Derby Cityscape Ltd and Urban Designer at Atkins Ltd.
Pranali said: “I am very much looking forward to getting really engrained into the sub-region, working with the Councils’ leaders, portfolio holders and stakeholders on their priorities as well as understanding local challenges and seeking solutions.
“I am really looking forward to bringing my expertise and insights to the delivery of projects and schemes which support growth and the local economy in south and east Lincolnshire.”
Rob Barlow, Chief Executive, said: “I am really pleased that Pranali has joined our Senior Leadership Team at what is an exciting time for the Partnership. By working collaboratively, the Partnership has been really successful in bringing in Government funding to support economic growth for the entire sub-region.
“This is a new role and was highly competitive so I am delighted the recruitment process has resulted in Pranali joining the team to help drive forward the ambitions of the Partnership.”
