It’s transformation time in Grimsby as plans for run-down areas move apace, hears packed meeting at our town headquarters.
“There are exciting developments taking place in Grimsby and we all want to be a part of them.”
The words of our offshore wind lead Partner Jonathan Goolden, who led the speakers at a business networking event, held at our headquarters.
We were delighted to host the most recent event organised by the Grimsby Renewables Partnership, (GRP), - a business network developed from the interest in offshore wind.
More than 70 partnership members enjoyed refreshments and networking, before hearing four diverse and interesting presentations focusing on the redevelopment of the docks and East Marsh area of Grimsby.
Jonathan, also speaking in his capacity as Clerk to The Enrolled Freemen of Grimsby, explained how our firm’s new town head office became a reality thanks to partnership working with North East Lincolnshire Council, Jonathan added: “When you look at what has been achieved here in Cartergate, this same redevelopment can be achieved elsewhere.”
The Enrolled Freeman are currently planning the redevelopment of a four-acre site in Freeman Street, after a High Court ruling saw it take full ownership of the part-dilapidated site. These plans, added Jonathan, provided a perfect link to the equally ambitious vision for the Kasbah.
Meanwhile our corporate and commercial solicitor Adam Ottley emphasised how the burgeoning offshore wind and renewables sector had provided a catalyst for positive change.
That was reflected in the work conducted from our offices, which included cable easement for major offshore farms (this includes dealing with issues associated with installing cabling across agricultural land with multiple owners), and onshore work including solar panel and wind farms, and anaerobic digestion plants.
ABP’s (Associated British Ports) Sustainable Development Manager Tom Jeynes updated the audience on recently released plans for the Kasbah with its tight network of streets and unique individual buildings, some of which are amongst the dock estates 15 listed buildings.
“We must be innovative about how we approach various parts of the fish docks that have an importance to the town and build on the heritage,” said Tom.
Reminding people how the Kasbah was a conservation area, he talked of attracting SMEs to the area. The arts, culture, fish processing and smoking, and leisure enterprises were all integral in the change, he said.
“However, we are not about gentrifying the Port of Grimsby. This is a working port and always will be and that is what we have to think about,” added Tom
Ending his presentation, Tom highlighted the importance of the Town Deal in making the transformation happen.
Finally, the Chair of CultureWorks, Charlotte Bowen, told of her vision for a 2019 Grimsby festival, as a fore-running for an annual event on the scale of Hull’s Freedom Festival.
And, if successful, the Freeman Street and Kasbah areas would be key locations as the town looks to celebrate its heritage, highlighting the Danish and Scandinavian influences in Grimsby’s foundation.
Charlotte heads up the 31-strong CultureWorks – a consortium lobbying for arts and culture in North East Lincolnshire.
Recently our Regulatory Partner Jonathan Goolden took a tour on the MMSCrusader to see first-hand how his offshore wind expertise from a legal perspective impacts our clients working in the industry. To see a short clip click here...
