“This is exactly what Grimsby needs”: new planters brighten up town centre

Filled with seasonal flowers and evergreen plants by Grimsby in Bloom, there will be plenty for residents to look at along Victoria Street. With adjoining seating, there’s also a place to relax and chat with friends over a cup of coffee.

Additionally, a number of living walls are being installed to compliment the 66 planters. These structures are attached to buildings, filled with plants, helping to improve aesthetics and air quality. These improvements come as part of the Levelling Up Funding awarded to Grimsby in May last year aimed at greening up town centres.

As part of the project, hanging baskets were installed along Victoria Street earlier this year with plants again coming from Grimsby in Bloom. The Council will continue to work with the group to replace the plants and flowers throughout the year, ensuing the street is as vibrant and welcoming as possible.

Residents of Grimsby are also thrilled about the new additions. Janet Bird said: “These look lovely. All the bright plants and flowers really add to Victoria Street and make it more appealing.

“This is exactly what Grimsby needs.”

Regular visitor to the town centre, Christine Ward, added: “It looks really nice. I come into town quite often so I think it’s great that there is somewhere else you can sit outside.

“It’s such a positive for the area and definitely makes it a better place.”

As part of the next phase of the project, the Council will be creating a pop up garden along West St. Mary’s Gate and installing festoon lighting along Victoria Street to help improve lighting during evenings.

Elaine Atkinson, Grimsby In Bloom Chair, is thrilled to be a part of the project. She said: “We’re really excited to be a part of the development and it’ll be even better when the plants and flowers have had time to develop.

“We’ve had so many positive comments from visitors to the town centre, it’s just been amazing. The team have done a brilliant job of getting all the plants in place and we’re looking forward to showing it off to anyone who visits the town.”

She added: “To sit around these flowers makes you feel so much better. It makes the town look great, but it also does wonders for your personal health and wellbeing.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and skills, said: “This is great news for Grimsby Town Centre.

“When walking along Victoria Street, the area is much more vibrant and people are already using the seating to enjoy their lunch and spend time with friends.

“I’m thrilled to see more positive change come to Grimsby, all of which pays into the larger regeneration of the town centre. With demolition underway, the new cinema, state of the art market and other leisure outlets are one step closer.

“This is such an exciting time for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire as a whole.”