On target for growth
This year continues to witness the visible transformation of North Lincolnshire, with ongoing developments throughout the region.
In the late 19th and early 20th century Grimsby was the greatest fishing port in the world, and the leading deep sea trawler port. The buildings and landscape of the area known as the ‘Kasbah’ were central to its success. It is therefore is a popular tourist destination for those interested in industrial heritage, maritime history and authentic coastal culture.
Best known for the award-winning Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, the historic Dock Tower, and being adjacent to the sandy beaches of Cleethorpes, the town also boasts the largest concentration of fish smokehouses in the country. Now there is high hope for the future as the town enters the running to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
As part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan, major progress is being made, which includes the Freshney Place leisure scheme, one of the biggest single investments in the town centre’s history.
The western end of the shopping centre has been demolished, including Top Town Market. The major development will include a brand-new five-screen Parkway Cinema, a vibrant food hall, and a revitalised market space, all designed to bring new life to the heart of Grimsby. Steel arches have been installed in the former BHS building, which will be the new indoor market. In addition, the steelwork has been erected for the cinema and leisure units.
This ambitious project is a key part of the wider regeneration of Grimsby, and will create a more attractive, engaging town centre that offers a mix of leisure, shopping and dining experiences for residents and visitors alike. Opening is currently scheduled for the end of 2027.
HIVE OF ACTIVITY
Situated opposite Grimsby Minster, St James House, known as E-Factor Hive, is a vibrant, mixed-use development and the new home for 18 small businesses and organisations.
This state-of-the-art business hub has already seen the injection of fresh energy into the town centre by providing modern facilities and fostering a collaborative environment. According to North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson: “This shows the council was right to have faith in this building and support it being brought back into use.
“It was an eyesore, but now it looks brilliant, and it is bringing people into the town centre.” On the ground floor, a glass-fronted café will offer a welcoming space for both the public and professionals. Supported by a £1.5 million Towns Fund grant, this project is a cornerstone of Grimsby’s broader regeneration efforts.
WELCOME TO THE KASBAH
The Kasbah Grimsby Docks Conservation Area is a unique industrial heritage site, deeply connected with the fishing industry.
Once the heart of the town’s fishing fleet, it is characterised by its distinctive red brick buildings, old warehouses, and the imposing presence of dockside machinery.
Visitors are attracted by its labyrinthine streets and atmospheric charm, with the architecture telling stories of trade, resilience, and the sheer scale of maritime operations. It’s a place where the past feels remarkably present, with the salty air and the cries of seagulls adding to the authentic atmosphere.
There is now the opportunity for creatives, food producers, energy specialists and heritage groups to operate from the area. For those wishing to learn more, visit the website at www.thekasbah.co.uk
OUR BIG PICTURE
Renovation work at Our Big Picture is now complete. Thanks to various funding, the stunning Grade II listed Georgian buildings at 17-21 Bethlehem Street have been transformed into a fully accessible Arts & Heritage Hub.
The transformation has made possible accessible creative spaces for the community to enjoy; careful repair and conservation of the historic building; and a permanent home for creative industries, workshops, exhibitions and community sessions, resulting in a lasting cultural legacy that supports local artists and heritage projects.
TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE
With demolition complete and site clearance underway, an ambitious project to build a new Transport Hub in the town centre is set to deliver a central, green, multifunctional transport interchange with direct links to the station, Abbey Walk car park and surrounding retail and business areas, plus space for seating, toilets, a small outdoor coffee stall and an indoor café.
The hub is being built on a prime 1.6-acre site off Osborne Street and will serve as a main point for buses, cycles and other transport users, providing easy connections to the nearby railway station and streamlining travel across the town.
All town centre bus stops will be brought together in one location, simplifying journeys and making public transport more convenient for everyone.
MAKING WAVES
Grimsby is hosting several major community and cultural events this year, including the sixth Festival of the Sea on 20th June, which will celebrate the town’s proud maritime heritage and world-leading seafood industry with a vibrant programme of entertainment, activities and food experiences across the town centre and Alexandra Dock Waterfront. Visitors to the free, family-friendly event will have a chance to meet the crew from RNLI Cleethorpes and learn about their life-saving work, and watch live seafood cooking demonstrations with the UK Seafood School.
Head to the main stage and be entertained by local musicians, enjoy a sea shanty singalong, and soak up street theatre and circus sensory workshops.
MILITARY MIGHT
From lively festivals and family fun days, to music and markets, North Lincolnshire is bursting with events throughout the year to suit every interest and age.
Key events include the Armed Forces Day at Normanby Hall Country Park on 20th June. Originally held in Scunthorpe, the new venue, which lies four miles north of the town, offers a larger, enhanced experience.
The Regency mansion is set in 300 acres of picturesque parkland and is North Lincolnshire’s premier tourist attraction. The hall’s wartime links, alongside the Rural Life Museum, bring a powerful new dimension to the day that will spotlight not only those who served, but also the vital role played by farming and rural communities in supporting the war effort at home and abroad. Expect parades, drill displays and live music as well as mini tank rides, living history displays and a ‘Dad’s Army’ tribute show.
Entry and parking on the day will be free, dogs are allowed on a lead, and a free bus will be running to and from Scunthorpe.
GOING LOCO
The Appleby Frodingham Railway – Scunthorpe was formed in 1990 to preserve the industrial railway heritage of Scunthorpe Steelworks.
The preservation society operates rail tours around the works on Saturdays throughout the summer, and usually hauled by one of a fleet of industrial steam or diesel locomotives. Guides will tell you about iron and steel making with glimpses of red-hot steel. Afternoon tours are suitable for families, and on selected Saturday evenings adult-only brake van tours are arranged.
Visitors can also enjoy a coffee in a restored buffet carriage during a short stop at the loco sheds. Tours last around four hours with commentary. Visit www.afrps.co.uk or tel 07889 297271 for details and bookings.
NATURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Ashby Ville, also known as Lakeside, is one of 17 designated local nature reserves in North Lincolnshire.
Once a sand and gravel quarry, it has transformed into a thriving wildlife haven. The site’s industrial past has shaped a unique landscape of mounds, hollows and disturbed soils, now home to a dynamic mosaic of bare ground, wildflower meadows, scrub and woodland.
After your visit, head to Ashby Lodge, a pub and carvery that sits at the heart of the local community.
Located on Brigg Road, Scunthorpe, just a short drive from the reserve and the town centre, it offers a family-friendly environment for casual dining and weekend treats.
The star attraction is its daily carvery, which features a selection of three 14-hour slow-cooked glazed meats, freshly made Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables.
The pub is dog-friendly, has free off-street parking, and offers amenities such as outdoor seating, a beer garden and children’s play area.
GET IN THE GROOVE AT YARDBIRDS ROCK CLUB
Located in Church Street, Grimsby, Yardbirds Rock Club is a popular live rock venue for over 18s featuring a mix of original touring bands and tribute artists.
As one of the region’s top music venues, it draws talented performers from around the world to its stage, and visitors can enjoy getting up close for a personal view of the bands.
Renowned for its friendly and vibrant atmosphere, the club hosts a variety of events and has become a real hub for music-lovers.
Yardbirds Rock Club has a rich history of supporting emerging artists as well as established acts, and showcases a diverse range of genres, from rock and metal to pop and blues, as well as top tribute bands and burlesque shows.
With its intimate setting, Yardbirds also schedules themed nights and open mic sessions, creating a community feel while also encouraging up-and-coming local talent.
Yardbirds Rock Club is open on Friday and Saturday from 7pm to late, plus other dates/times when gigs/events are booked. For more information visit www.yardbirdsrocks.co.uk
DINE UNDER THE LEMON TREES AT SAN PIETRO
Following the excitement of the recent Italian Awards 2026, where San Pietro was proudly crowned Best Restaurant in the Midlands, the team is gearing up for the busy summer months.
With the sun starting to make a welcome return, there is no better place to experience award-winning hospitality than in the beautiful Giardino at San Pietro.
Dine al fresco under the shade of lush lemon trees. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy the relaxed, vibrant atmosphere and savour all the seasonal flavours of Sicily.
Share beautiful dishes and catch up with loved ones, while the dedicated team serve up authentic Italian hospitality that has earned them the title of the region’s best.
Whether it’s a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner under the evening sky, make this season one to remember at the Midlands’ finest Italian restaurant.
Special Offer: Enjoy £10 off your food bill when you dine at San Pietro, from Tuesday through to Friday, from now until the end of June 2026.
Simply quote ‘LINCSLIFE’ to the team when booking your table.
For more information visit www.sanpietro.uk.com
DUNE: IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT SAND!
The beach, sea and of course ice creams. Everyone loves the Cleethorpes coastline, but how much do you really know?
Helping protect our natural heritage and teaching people about it is the Dynamic Understanding of the Natural Environment (DUNE) project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Looking at key areas of our coast, especially the salt marshes and sand dunes along the Humber Estuary, this area is important for wildlife and is officially recognised for its special habitats.
Known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), this area is protected by law to prevent any harm coming to the unique plants, flowers and animals that live there.
The DUNE project takes all that information and looks at ways we can preserve it for the future as well as teach the people of today all about it.
Role of the Coastal Ranger
At the head of that task is coastal ranger Josh Forrester. Spending his time out and about in Cleethorpes, he helps people connect with Cleethorpes’ unique coastline, raising awareness of its environmental importance and encouraging respectful enjoyment.
He also monitors protected species and promotes conservation through guided walks, school visits, and community outreach – all to help preserve this rare and vital habitat for future generations.
“Our coast is so important and so biodiverse, there is so much that can be enjoyed throughout the year from birdwatching to learning about the different habitats that many species call home.
“We have a range of beautiful animals and plants here, from a Glossy Ibis in winter to the vibrant Southern Marsh Orchid in summer.”
However, it isn’t just all about the plants and flowers. Josh also hosts a range of guided nature walks throughout the Cleethorpes area.
These include delving into the local parks and open spaces as well as celebrating some important occasions in the natural calendar like National Nature Reserve Week.
If you’re in the area this summer, why not join Josh on one of his walks and see what you can learn!
To find out about Josh’s walks and more about the project, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/keeping-our-area-clean-green-and-safe/cleethorpes-dune-project
A REFINED RETREAT
Set within 150 acres of Lincolnshire countryside, Laceby Manor Resort offers a five-star escape.
Bringing together natural surroundings and contemporary wellbeing, Laceby Manor Resort near Grimsby creates a destination that feels both restorative and quietly refined.
At the heart of the resort is its purpose-built spa, featuring an indoor-outdoor pool, two saunas, a steam room, and outdoor natural swimming ponds designed to support both relaxation and physical recovery.
A standout addition is the Reflection Room, located in the Spa Garden beside the main spa building and The Oak Room restaurant. This elegant space provides guests with a calm, comfortable setting to unwind between treatments or during a spa day.
With views across the natural bathing pond and the golf course beyond, the Reflection Room has been thoughtfully designed in warm reds and browns, complemented by a striking heated tiled floor that enhances the sense of comfort and relaxation.
Treatments and dining
Since opening in 2022, the spa has received national recognition, described by Glamour magazine as “the best new spa in the north of England” and later named among the 50 Best UK Spas by The Times and The Sunday Times, helping to firmly place the Lincolnshire Wolds on the luxury wellbeing map.
Treatments remain a key attraction, with options designed for both individuals and couples. Couples’ bathing and rasul experiences offer a more immersive approach to relaxation; the rasul combines mineral-rich mud with steam to cleanse and soften the skin, while couples’ bathing provides a slower, private ritual to be enjoyed together.
Beyond the spa, The Oak Room sits within the spa gardens and is open to both guests and non-guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. With an open kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven, it offers a relaxed dining experience in a welcoming setting.
Spa director Alex Burnett explains the ethos behind the resort: “Laceby Manor is about giving people the space to step away from busy routines and focus on how they feel. Whether it’s time spent in the spa, a treatment, or simply sitting quietly by the water, every element is designed to help guests reconnect and leave feeling relaxed.”
With spa days, evening escapes, and bespoke spa breaks available, Laceby Manor offers flexibility alongside quality. From short visits to extended stays, it presents a considered approach to modern wellbeing – one that prioritises time, space, and a sense of ease.
For more information visit www.lacebymanor.co.uk
QUALITY FITTED FURNITURE FROM TRUSTED LOCAL SUPPLIER
Whether you’re looking for fitted wardrobes, sliding doors, hinged wardrobes, or clever storage for awkward spaces, at JWS Wardrobes Ltd everything is built to your exact measurements and expertly installed by its expert in-house team.
Established in 1969 with showrooms in Hull, East Yorkshire and Scunthorpe, this trusted local family business specialises in manufacturing and fitting custom-made fitted furniture designs to suit every home or office space.
Known for honest pricing and exceptional workmanship, this specialist company which has more than 50 years’ experience, delivers fitted furniture that’s built to last.
Together with a commitment to fair, transparent quotes that include fitting as standard, JWS Wardrobes aims to help customers create stylish, practical spaces that truly fit every home and lifestyle.
“As one of the area’s leading bedroom and fitted furniture specialists, we use our own team from start to finish, with our own professional installers with lots of JWS experience behind them.
“JWS has a reputation for an uncompromising commitment to customer satisfaction and we’re proud to be the genuine trusted bespoke made-to-measure fitted furniture company.
“Visit our showroom or book your free home design visit today, start planning your perfect space and see how affordable bespoke furniture can be. No pressure, no hidden costs – just honest advice and beautiful results.”
For more information visit www.jwswardrobes.co.uk
GIVE YOUR PET A LOVING FINAL FAREWELL
Fur Friends Forever is a small, family-run business based in North Lincolnshire helping to ensure beloved pets pass away peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by the people they love most in the comfort of their own home.
“After working in veterinary practices for nearly 10 years, it was heart-breaking to watch how stressful end-of-life care could be for both owners and their pets and we knew something had to change,” explains Razvan Olaru, who founded Fur Friends Forever in 2024, alongside working as a locum vet.
“Saying goodbye to your lovely pet is a deeply emotional time. To help make this difficult moment easier, Fur Friends Forever brings our compassionate vet team to your doorstep and we are by your side to ensure that the final goodbye is less stressful for both pets and owners.”
There are also plans to open their own veterinary practice with an out-of-hours service for emergencies, whilst still offering in-home euthanasia service.
For more information visit www.furfriendsforever.co.uk
RELIVE GRIMSBY’S RICH PAST AT THE FISHING HERITAGE CENTRE
From donning a sou’wester to taking a tour on a genuine former trawler boat, there is so much to do at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.
The museum offers a deep, immersive dive into what was once Grimsby’s biggest trade. During the mid-20th century, this town was the world’s largest fishing port.
At its peak, 700 trawlers were based here, among them the famous ‘Cat class’ – which included the centre’s popular Ross Tiger.
However, taking a trip around the museum and a Tiger Tour aside, there is plenty more going on here.
With regular exhibitions, a gift shop and the Galley Café there is far more to it than meets the eye.
Opened in 1991, the museum takes visitors on a tour from shore to sea and back again – detailing every step and risk these men took to bring food back into the fishing port.
Deemed the most dangerous peacetime job, fishing was no simple task. The centre takes you on a journey from boarding the ship to battling some of the horrific conditions crews faced daily. Coming back into shore, the crews often spent time with loved ones and spent their earnings before returning to sea just days later.
After taking a walk around, make sure to check out the latest exhibition being shown in the Doughty and Muriel Barker Galleries.
From photos to models and guest exhibitions, there is always something new and exciting to be enjoyed whilst you’re there.
Take a trip aboard the Ross Tiger
No trip to the centre is complete without a visit to the Galley Café either, with a wide range of hot and cold food and drink to get you ready for a tour of the famous Ross Tiger.
Floated in 1956, the Tiger was one of 12 trawlers constructed as part of the ‘Cat class’, celebrating the centenary of the Grimsby fish docks. After over 30 years of life at sea, she’s now berthed to the rear of the centre and is brought to life through unique tours from the award-winning team – many of whom are also former fishermen.
They will entertain you with a tale or two of sea life and take you on a journey of discovery where you will find out what life was like aboard. This is an experience not to be missed, aboard a very special survivor of the maritime past of Great Grimsby.
Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre is also an Arts Council Accredited Museum, winner of the Sandford Award for Heritage Education, former winner and current nominee of the VisitEngland Welcome Accolade and winner of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The museum is a member of the Humber Museums Partnership.
To book your visit and for further information, please visit www.fishingheritage.com
Photographs: Mick Fox
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