Key businesses behind Grimsby’s emerging Projekt Renewable platform have told of their excitement at being involved.
Planning consent has been secured for the exploratorium, set to be housed in a new box park beside the town’s Alexandra Dock. It will be used as a focal point for the green industries, both emerging and well established in the area, to inspire, educate and inform the next generation.
WhiteCrate will deliver the infrastructure, a North West business described as the UK’s leading architectural design and production company that is “pushing the boundaries and perceptions of the humble shipping container and creating destinations and spaces, throughout the UK and Europe”. Having worked on projects for the likes of Nissan to the National Rail Museum, from farm cafes to football fan zones, Projekt Renewable will be another bold addition to a portfolio built over the past 17 years.
Read more: Funding secured to explore opportunity for Grimsby waterside living
Jon Flowerdew, managing director, said: “WhiteCrate is incredibly proud to be delivering this transformative regeneration project in Grimsby, as we work together to create a vibrant new destination. It is a testament to the vision and dedication of all involved that we are shaping a future where communities can thrive, and where Grimsby can shine a light on its thriving renewable energy industry and the opportunities it creates for the region and the UK.
“This project represents WhiteCrate’s commitment to revitalising urban spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a lasting legacy and destination that will benefit generations to come.”
The contemporary look will complement Myenergi’s addition to North East Lincolnshire, with its state-of-the-art headquarters and emerging production facility at Stallingborough. While it is currently resetting its scaling up after a period of high growth, with consultation over jobs ongoing, the long-term future of the home town is still being backed.
Emma Brigginshaw, Myenergi’s head of sustainability and ethics, said: “At Myenergi, we are focused on removing the barriers to a greener future. Our mission is a commitment to pioneering a simple transition to renewable energy, so we are passionate about showcasing the benefits of renewable energy and showing people how they can harness these benefits for themselves, to gain greater energy independence.
“We are proud to support Projekt Renewable, which will not only help educate and inspire future talent and the local community but thanks to its facilities, will be able to share this message with a much bigger audience nationwide.”
RWE Renewables UK is behind three major offshore wind projects now emerging, having made a commitment to make Grimsby its long-term base on the back of the operational Triton Knoll and Humber Gateway.
Guy Middleton, general manager for the RWE Grimsby Hub, said: “As a founding patron of Projekt Renewable, we are delighted to have reached this important milestone for the project.
“Projekt Renewable is such an important resource for the local region and the wider renewables industry and we are so excited to be a part of it! It is vital that we can demonstrate what the renewables industry has to offer the younger generation and encourage them to consider roles in our industry if we are going to meet our net zero targets.”
Fellow ‘container dweller’ Mockingbird, is also on board. The Docks Beers street food addition is housed in a bright yellow box beside The Church brewery, tap room and events venue on King Edward Street. Chloe McKeown, social media and marketing manager said: “This project is something Mockingbird would love to wholeheartedly champion. A celebration of both Grimsby’s rich history and its exciting future within the renewable energy industry; we love the community focus at the core of Projekt Renewable. As a company, Mockingbird is fully committed to all things ‘Great Grimsby’ and it’s fantastic to see the plans in place to raise youth aspirations within Grimsby and beyond, which will without doubt inspire the next generation of very proud, successful Grimbarians.
“The message that Grimsby and its surrounding areas are cool and accessible, but also aspirational is something we try to regularly promote as part of our brand ethos, and something we are delighted that Projekt Renewable shares.”
It comes just days after the groundbreaking for the Horizon Youth Zone in the same area of the town, while plans for new urban living are also moving forward on the neighbouring brownfield site between it and Freshney Place shopping centre.
As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council, the Crown Estate, Forrester Boyd, Wilkin Chapman and Knapton Wright are also key partners behind it.
