“These projects are focused on what people actually want": students praise Grimsby and Cleethorpes regeneration.

The Year 8 students, from Horncastle’s Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, took part in the visit as part of their geography studies. Led by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Project Management Office (PMO), Regeneration Team, and supported by the Research and Engagement Team, the session aimed to connect young people with the evolving opportunities just a short journey from their hometown, and to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the region’s future.

During the visit, students took part in interactive activities, sharing their ideas for improvements to Grimsby Town Centre and Cleethorpes. Suggestions ranged from ‘more green spaces and flowers’ to ‘better shops and playgrounds’. They were excited to learn about Grimsby Town Centre’s upcoming Horizon Youth Zone, a dynamic space for young people featuring a climbing wall, sports hall, music and dance studios, and creative workshops.

The students also heard about other key regeneration projects, including the £50-million transformation of the western end of Freshney Place, which will feature a new cinema, food and beverage outlets, and a state-of-the-art new food hall and market.

This major development is one of a number to come to fruition following the publication of the Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan which identified what people wanted from their town centre.

Bethan, a student on the visit, was impressed by the plans for the future of Grimsby: “I’ve really enjoyed the trip today. It’s clear the council is working hard to help the community. The new projects seem to be focused on what people actually want, and how they’ll benefit personally.”

The feedback gathered during the visit will now be shared with the Council’s Project Management Office to ensure that the voices of young people are considered as regeneration plans move forward.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, said: “Engaging with young people in this way helps raise aspirations and shows them the potential here. By involving them in the conversation, we’re not only inspiring the next generation, but we are also ensuring they are equipped to contribute to the region’s future success.”

Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “The regeneration schemes now taking place, born from both the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Masterplan, are some of the most ambitious this council has ever undertaken. With significant public investment, we’re transforming our town centres to create places where people want to live, work, and visit. That’s why it’s vital to involve young people from across Lincolnshire - they need to see the opportunities emerging right on their doorstep.”

He added: “North East Lincolnshire Council is committed to supporting schools and colleges through educational visits, skills development programmes, and opportunities to explore the area’s rich heritage and regeneration journey. Initiatives like this visit to the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre are helping young people see a future for themselves in our region and giving them a voice in shaping it.”

For more information on how local schools or colleges can work with North East Lincolnshire Council, please email skills@nelincs.gov.uk. 

Learn more about the regeneration projects in North East Lincolnshire at https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/business-and-investment/investment-and-regeneration/.

For more information on Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, visit https://fishingheritage.com/.