Plans agreed to turn a former bank in Grimsby into a multi purpose community hub
The CARE charity is taking over the former RBS site on Victoria Street
Last updated 31st Jan 2024
The transformation and extension of a former Grimsby bank into a multi-purpose community hub has been given planning approval.
CARE, a local charity dedicated to helping those in crisis, has received planning permission for an extension to its newly acquired building at 86-88 Victoria Street. The old RBS bank building has been empty since 2018. The plans will give it a new lease of life, support town centre regeneration, and mark a new chapter in CARE’s 30 year history.
The new facility will be a substantial upgrade on CARE’s current premises in Hainton Avenue. It will include a public living room, meeting rooms, offices and more space for the housing and crisis support.
Rooms will also be available to rent out by other organisations. Extensions will increase the former bank’s size by approximately a third, too.
The charity’s existing site has limited space and no disabled access, and is open five days a week. Increased demand for CARE’s services, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis, meant the urgent need for a larger, better equipped space.
CARE’s chief executive officer, Anne Bickerstaff, said: “We are thrilled that the council have supported this project and awarded full planning permission. This gives us the green light to choose a contractor for the building works and get started.” She has previously managed projects in other parts of the country, including the creation of Oasis Hub Hull in Newland Avenue. This includes a world of wonder for families, with a hobbit hole, treehouse and bounce room.
“We still need to raise more funds to build the extension, so it will be all hands-on deck in the next few months. But the works to the front part of the building can start soon as all the funds are in place. We hope to open the new community hub early next year if all goes to plan.”
A community consultation that reached 900 people shaped the plans. The ground floor will be a public space with a welcoming open-plan area. There will be a kitchenette, and activities and accessible spaces.
CARE has successfully raised £806,250 from seven funders, including the Key Fund and the Community Ownership Fund. However, planning permission for the extension brings with it a new fundraising challenge.
The extension is viewed as crucial to being a comprehensive community hub. It will include a family heritage zone which, if built, will provide a free play area in the centre of Grimsby.
Mostly known for its annual Toys for Joy appeal, CARE also offers housing solutions, food vouchers and a furniture recycling shop. Last year alone, CARE’s holistic Community Support Service, provided intensive support to 268 individuals, while its crisis drop-in assisted 2,240 people. With the new building and its extension, CARE aims to significantly increase its capacity to support those in need.
Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici has welcomed the planning approval on social media, describing it as “fantastic news”. She helped to secure the £250,000 government Community Ownership Fund cash awarded last year.
The application document indicates it is expected to employ 23 staff, 15 full-time.