£10m capital investment set aside for permanent library in Grimsby
The motion was unanimously approved
Last updated 22nd Feb 2026
Capital investment worth £10m is to be set aside over the next three years for the restoration of a permanent library in Grimsby town centre. The measure was passed as part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s wider budget after being proposed as an amendment by the Independents for North East Lincolnshire Group councillors.
The measure does not commit the funding to Grimsby Central Library building specifically, which has been shut since March 2025. This is in recognition of awaiting further cost details for its restoration, and the cross-party library select committee’s recommendations on it.
Instead, it commits to a permanent library in the town centre, ensuring the current pop-up library in Freshney Place will only be a temporary measure. Independent Group leader Cllr Steve Holland introduced the amendment and explained it earmarks capital spending over the next three years for a permanent Grimsby library.
This is divided into £1m in 2026/27, £5m in 2027/28, and £4m in 2028/29. By using flexibility within the council’s capital budget, the move does not impact on the local authority’s revenue, or day-to-day spending.
It also commits the council to “use its best endeavours to attract external funding for the scheme”, something Cllr Holland stressed the need to do. “I would emphasise on top of that earmarked capital provision, we also need, of course, to be exploring every possible opportunity for external funding to make sure that we have a library that is fit for purpose and fit for the next 25 years.”
“I think we all recognise the fact that we do need a library in the town centre,” said council leader Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative – Waltham) in support. “I fully accept the fact that the current pop-up library, whilst it’s doing a job, it isn’t what we’d like to see as a permanent feature. We do need a bigger library.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (East Marsh) said: “A town centre library is a significant civic asset for any community.” She said the proposal provided a framework to move forward on having permanent library again, and stated: “Residents have been clear that they want a permanent town centre library restored.”
Labour opposition group leader Cllr Emma Clough (Heneage) also supported, stating it was “a real privilege to be on the library select committee”. She added, “Time and time again, we are met with a room full of dedicated residents. I think what we’re doing tonight is stepping up to their ambition and showing that we’ve listened.”
Cllr Tim Mickleburgh (Labour – South) brought in the importance of having a permanent town centre library in the context of Grimsby’s Town of Culture bid ambitions. “How can we be a city of culture when we haven’t even got a proper library?”
“We definitely do need a central library.” The motion was unanimously approved.
The Independent Group amendment, setting £10m capital investment aside for a permanent library in Grimsby, is in addition to a successful Labour amendment which included the creation of a local heritage reserve fund. This set aside £4m capital for local heritage assets, with Grimsby Central Library to be prioritised, subject to a business case first.