Circles of stone

If you’ve been down to the Garth Lane site over the last month or so, you might have noticed the wind turbine designs in the paving.

Now, an extra element has been added, thanks to the input from local people.

Over the last few days, CR Reynolds have been installing three new centres to the turbine blades that are the result of developing ideas with the community through the last year. The final setting for the stone is due to be installed in the coming weeks.

Referencing the history, environment and the built environment of the surrounding area, the stones were designed by Paula Denton, from Our Big Picture along with local design company, SourceFour.

The first stone reflects the Havelock Seal and has seen work with Grimsby’s Freemen to ensure accuracy. As an inward point of the river, the Garth Lane area was known to be occupied by some of Grimsby’s earliest settlers.

The second stone reflects the natural environment – and follows input from local people about the jellyfish and eels that can be seen regularly in the waters nearby as it transitions from fresh water to sea water.

The final stone represents Collinsons Boatyard, the last boat maker on the docks, and where the Grimsby sail trawler, the Esther, was constructed.

The latest element to Garth Lane has been added after the tiered steps to the water’s edge were opened last week.

“It’s been a long project to get to this point,” said Paula, on seeing the stones installed. “We started this at possibly the hardest time, just before the first lockdown, but I’m thrilled to see the culmination of work with local people installed here.”

The whole site was opened earlier this year by the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, and includes new paving, lighting and CCTV, and landscaping.

Access to the river for water sport enthusiasts has also been improved as part of the project, with the final touches to the area to be completed once permissions have been received from the Marine Management Organisation.

As previously reported, work began more than a year ago with a total of £3.5m funding – £1.3m being secured from the former Humber Local Enterprise Partnership from the Local Growth Fund as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. More funding came from The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with monies released as part of the Grimsby Town Deal.