Children’s artwork brightens up square as St. James’ House brought back to life

The building will soon be used as a new thriving business hub by E-Factor, making up part of the town centre regeneration project.

In the interim, the artwork, produced by eight young people who visit the Haven youth centre on Osborne Street, Grimsby, will be presented on the surrounding hoardings.

Created as part of the centre’s Summer holiday project, 14 boards depicting landmarks and vibrant scenes from across the borough including the likes of the Dock Tower will be displayed across the site’s hoardings.

The project has been funded through the High Street Accelerator fund, working hand in hand with the 2025 Group. The project is set up by Grimsby Retailers in Partnership CIC, dedicated to helping improve and celebrate the town centre during its period of regeneration.

The boards will stay in place until completion of the business hub after which they will be put on display at various locations across the borough.

Jose Stewart, Chair of the 2025 Group, said: “The 2025 Group are delighted to see some colour and creativity brought to the town centre through this fantastic project. It's wonderful to see local children getting involved and showcasing their talent, and we're proud to support their efforts in brightening up the area for the whole community to enjoy."

Caitilin, 12, worked on the hoarding depicting St. James’ Minster and loved being part of the project. She said: “I’ve only been going to the Haven Centre for about a month. I started coming because my brothers, who had been going for some time, thought I might like to help with the art as it’s something I enjoy.

“The whole thing was amazing. It was really fun and a great way of getting us all out the house.” Caitlin decided on the Minster due to her skills at drawing buildings and is really pleased with how all the hoardings have turned out.

“I think they look amazing. The idea was brilliant and it’s definitely something I would get involved with again if there was an opportunity to.

“The Haven Centre itself was full of kind staff and was such a welcoming atmosphere. Going there was something I looked forward to.”

Mark Webb, Managing Director of E-Factor, said: “E-Factor and The Business Hive along with our Contractors GELDERS are really pleased to be able to provide our hoardings as a place to display this incredible artwork.

“Having watched the progress of this group of local young people, and the effort they have put into these wonderful works of art, I am so proud that our new building project is the first to be able to show off what they have created.

“They, their families, and the whole community  should be proud to have  be home to such talented and determined young people.”

Celebrating the young people’s artwork, Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger communities, said: “This initiative is a brilliant idea.

“It helps our young people express themselves in a different format and shows just how skilled they are to the rest of the borough.

“The young people and the youth workers who have supported them should be proud of what they’ve achieved and I look forward to seeing the paintings on display elsewhere upon completion of the new business hub.”

Speaking about town centre projects, he added: “With Riverhead Square already complete and other developments underway, we are starting to see a real difference in the area as our vision of a welcoming and thriving centre becomes reality.”