The first round of Grimsby Together working group meetings is complete, marking another step in building a shared plan for the town’s future. Energy, ideas and collaboration have been flowing, showing the commitment of people shaping the future of Grimsby.
Over recent weeks, members have been meeting in groups focused on the key themes. They have been understanding what is already working in the town, identifying new ideas, and exploring how the £20 million from the national Plan for Neighbourhoods programme could be used to make the biggest long-term difference.
From Vision to Plan
In 2024, people from across Grimsby came together to imagine the future they wanted to see. From stronger neighbourhoods and safer streets to better opportunities for young people, a greener town and a vibrant local economy, a shared vision began to emerge.
Now, with Grimsby awarded £20 million over 10 years from the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, the opportunity now is to agree a plan by November 2025 for how this funding, alongside other resources, can help turn that vision into reality.
Who is Involved
More than 80 people from across Grimsby are part of the working groups exploring the themes identified last year. Members were selected through an open recruitment process to ensure a wide mix of voices and perspectives. Find out more here.
The groups include community leaders, residents, business owners, public sector partners and experts. Their role is to:
- Identify great work already happening that could be supported and grown
- Spot gaps and opportunities for new ideas
- Connect activity across different themes to strengthen the overall opportunity
Lucy Ottewell-Key, Chair of the Opportunities and Education available for everyone working group, reflected on the importance of connecting people and opportunities:
“We’ve got amazing assets in Grimsby and wider across NE Lincolnshire, but it’s about how we connect the dots, how do we make sure we are visible in the community and any individual, no matter what age, understands what’s going on across Grimsby and North East Lincs.”
Inspiring Ideas Connecting
The first meetings have already revealed inspiring overlaps, from projects that boost the local economy and community pride to ideas that link environmental improvements with health and wellbeing.
One brilliant example that addresses key themes from the Strong and Welcoming Communities and Opportunities and Education for all Groups is the YMCA extension to their Youth Hub at Kent Street, which offers young people aged 8 to 19, a safe, engaging and inclusive space to grow, belong, connect, and enjoy a variety of activities. YMCA hopes to double the size, and so double the capacity.
Alongside this, Doorstep is moving to a new building and will host a Community Housing Hub, giving community organisations, local housing providers, developers and partners a space to collaborate, share ideas, support community led housing ambitions and find solutions to long-term empty homes.
CARE is also making a huge difference, transforming the RBC building to create a welcoming, non-clinical space.
One member said: “The facilities will include a public living room space and a crisis support room. People will be able to come in every day, drop in and use the public spaces.”
The new hub will provide vital support while encouraging community engagement.
The re-envisioning of the Library stands out as another shining example. Working groups widely discussed its potential as a multi-purpose hub: preserving heritage, supporting arts and culture, attracting visitors, and serving as a space for connection and community. Re-envisioning of the Library brings together multiple priorities and reflects the shared vision of local leaders and residents.
Mark Webb, Co-chair of the Thriving Business working group, emphasised the community-led approach:
“How can we make sure that what we end up with here in Grimsby is something that the people who live here really value and really want.”
Have your say
The working groups are building the foundations of the plan, but they need your input to help make the best recommendations.
We want to hear about:
- Great work already happening in Grimsby that could grow or reach more people with support
- New ideas, big or small, that could fill the gaps and make a lasting difference
Everything submitted will be mapped and discussed, to build a clear picture of what is already here and working, spot connections and explore priorities including where new opportunities could fill gaps and deliver positive impact.
Share your ideas or examples of great work at www.our-future.io/grimsby-together.
What is Next
Working groups will meet again in September to deepen discussions, refine priorities and explore opportunities where ideas and themes connect.
Then, in September, we will host a public event where you can:
- Hear more about the insights and opportunities the groups are raising
- See the progress being made
- Share your own thoughts to help shape the plan
A further public meeting will then take place in October to update on progress and test the developing recommendations.
This will all lead to recommendations being submitted for approval to the Grimsby Plan for Neighbourhoods Board and ultimately submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in November 2025.
