‘Historic’ day for Grimsby as Horizon Youth Zone project officially starts

Work on one of Grimsby’s biggest projects has finally got underway.

Horizon Youth Zone has been a pipe dream for many since 2019, but it is now a reality. The site on Garth Lane, formerly West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings, had been earmarked since 2021 and since then the group running the project, Onside, have been campaigning to get it off the ground.

The idea was borne out of the 2018 Town Deal which looks to improve the town centre as well as create a sustainable future for the younger generation. In partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, supporters include Historic England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ørsted, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, The Youth Investment Fund and a number of private investors.

Read more: Work to finally start on Grimsby’s Horizon Youth Zone

Construction is set to begin later this month with plans to open the doors in early 2025. The state of the art facility will house a number of activities, including a 3G Kick Pitch and an indoor climbing wall. It will be open for children aged 8 to 19 and up to 25 for those with special needs, costing just 50 pence a visit.

After completion, it’s thought the centre could benefit up to 4,000 young people across the borough. Jason Stockwood, Chair of the Horizon Youth Zone, was honoured to be a part of what he described as an ‘historical day’.

He said: “As Chair of Horizon and someone who grew up in Grimsby, I am so proud we have reached this incredible milestone. This is a momentous day for all involved in Horizon Youth Zone. Our Trustees, generous funders, Young People’s Development Group and supporters are collectively making our dream for Grimsby’s young people a reality.

“It has been a long time coming, but we are delighted with the progress being made and it won’t be long before Grimsby’s young people can see the heritage buildings transformed into a space which they truly deserve. I want to thank everyone who has led us to this moment, it wouldn’t be possible without your incredible support.”

He added: “It’s an historic day and we’re here to mark what is going to be a remarkable facility for the young people. It means a lot to me because the site is just 100 yards from where my grandmother was born in Lord Street, this town is part of my identity.

“This building will push the story of this town towards a more hopeful future, great things are happening here at the minute.” Another huge supporter of the project has been the local authority. Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I speak on behalf of everyone at North East Lincolnshire Council when I say how delighted I am to see work starting to create what will be a wonderful centre for our young people.

“As an authority that has committed itself to building a stronger economy and stronger communities, it is vital that our adults of tomorrow are inspired to achieve, and to see there is opportunity for them here. Horizon will do just that and in doing so will help to create positive futures for many. That, in turn, will play a large part in improving the fortunes of North East Lincolnshire as a whole.

“We will also see a derelict and historically important building in our town centre reborn – supporting the wider regeneration of Grimsby Town Centre. I cannot wait to walk through the doors for the first time.”

One of the volunteers who has seen the project take off is Izzie Russell. Back in 2019, she wasn’t sure if the idea would become a reality, but thanks to Orsted, she started to believe. “I wasn’t sure we’d get to this point if I’m honest. However, when Ørsted donated £1 million, that’s when it got real.”

She added: “This is needed and it’s not going away, we are here to stay.”