Two of Cleethorpes’ three Levelling Up Fund-supported regeneration projects are set to be completed by 2026.
More than £1.1 million in government funding has already been spent across all three schemes combined.
Updates on major council projects have been published as part of a finance report, including the latest developments on the Sea Road building, Pier Gardens rejuvenation, and Market Place revitalisation schemes, all supported by £18.4 million in Levelling Up Fund investment.
The Pier Gardens and Market Place projects are scheduled for completion in spring 2026, according to the report. Meanwhile, the Sea Road building, initially expected to be fitted out for tenants next summer, is now “on target to be completed Autumn/Winter 2025.”
Next year will see simultaneous major construction projects in Cleethorpes and Grimsby town centres. For example, Freshney Place will undergo transformation alongside Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens and Market Place.
Cleethorpes Levelling Up Fund Projects
A main contractor for the £4.6 million Market Place project is expected to be appointed in February. The scheme aims to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. However, some businesses have raised concerns about the proposed road layout and potential loss of much of Market Place’s car parking.
The council has authorised plans to create a new public car park behind The Old Vic pub and to convert Cleethorpes High Street Car Park to short-term use only. These plans are subject to legally required consultation, which is open until 22 November: Traffic Regulation Orders Consultation
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said:
“We are still in the final design stages for the Market Place project, testing out traffic possibilities, and have been talking with local businesses regularly to get their views and make amendments to the scheme where we can.
“Specifically on parking, the current version of the design for Market Place still has around 30 layby spaces within it, and we are looking to create a new car park less than five minutes’ walk away for additional parking behind The Old Vic pub.
“We know there are mixed views about this project from businesses, which is why we’ve been meeting with them regularly to test out ideas and seek feedback, but we believe this project will benefit not only businesses but also residents and visitors in the long term.”
So far, just under £280,000 has been spent on the Market Place scheme.
The £8.6 million Pier Gardens project has an expected mobilisation and construction period from January 2025 to March 2026, with £407,000 spent so far.
The £7.2 million Sea Road building site had preparatory utility works completed earlier this autumn. Construction is due to begin imminently, with over £420,000 already spent.
Alexandra Dock – First Homes by Spring 2026
A planning application for new housing on brownfield land at Alexandra Dock’s Garth Lane in Grimsby is expected this month, with work on site due to begin in April or May.
The first homes are anticipated to be ready by spring 2026, with the project completed by autumn 2027. £7.8 million in Towns Fund cash is allocated for the scheme, with around 130 homes expected to be built.
The finance report highlights two challenges: the impact of a market downturn on the project, which poses risks for the developer and reputational risks for the council, and the tight timeline for spending the Towns Fund cash, which must be used by March 2026.
Abbey Walk Car Park – New Construction Timeline
The council recently approved the demolition of Abbey Walk Car Park in Grimsby, which has been closed since May due to structural issues. Its replacement, a ground-level car park, is subject to a wider review of town centre parking. The finance report estimates construction could take place between summer and winter 2025.
Riverhead Square and Special Educational Needs School
Riverhead Square’s multi-million-pound transformation is nearing completion. Resin was added to the planters in October to stabilise stones. Final works, including Northern Powergrid connections, are due to be completed in early 2025.
Plans for a 150-place special educational needs school are also referenced. The latest timeline indicates it could open for the 2027/28 academic year. The free school is not yet contracted with the Department for Education, which would fund the project.
