Goole Town Deal phase one projects ready and waiting for phase two to be announced

The Goole Town Deal Fund has successfully delivered six approved phase one accelerated Towns Fund projects.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) has administered distribution of the £750,000 grant which saw six plans delivered for:

• Goole Market Hall
• Victoria Pleasure Grounds
• Town centre COVID-19 recovery
• Parks and gardens package
• Oakhill Country Park Nature Reserve
• Kickstart moped scheme

This first stage is a solid platform towards the 10 major interventions outlined in the Goole Town Investment Plan, which aims to secure in excess of £25million of capital investment into the town over the next five years. The Town Deal Board is awaiting news from the Government on how much has been secured for the Goole Town Deal.

Phil Jones, vice chairman of Goole’s Town Deal Board, said: “We are delighted that the significant work undertaken by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Goole Town Council and Siemens has culminated in a successful delivery. The scale of the works undertaken, in what was a limited six month’s timescale for delivery, means we have made excellent progress on some significant areas that feature in the Town Investment Plan.

“The Board is aware of the extent of works required to sustain Goole’s renewal and recovery. Our longstanding aim is to gain momentum for the town centre economy and deliver significant and sustainable investment.”    

The first step towards securing the future of the market hall as an anchor destination was to restore the fabric of the building by carrying out structural repairs, clearing the interior and levelling the floor.

Margaret Hicks-Clarke, chair of Goole Civic Society, visited the market hall to consider the internal modifications and praised the work: “I was incredibly impressed by the workmanship and amazed at the space that’s been created.

“The building is at the heart of the town centre and could lend itself to many uses. The Board are hopeful that the building will be a significant part of Goole’s future following proposed financing through the Town Investment Plan.”

With Victoria Pleasure Grounds (VPG), phase one critical repair work and redevelopment was managed by Goole Town Council via the accelerated Town Deal investment.

The completed works have ensured that outdated and unfit-for-purpose facilities are safe and compliant. They now meet Football Association ground grading standards, consume less energy, reduce running costs and reduce light pollution caused by overspill, whilst also contributing to the safe re-opening for the variety of sports clubs and associations that are regular users of the facility.

Brian Robertson, clerk to Goole Town Council, said: “The energy efficient LED system is capable of being zoned and allows smaller areas of the pitch to be hired at a lower rate, so this will assist social inclusion and affordability and that, in turn, also offers health and wellbeing benefits.

“The longer term investment strategy for the VPG – subject to securing future funding – comprises phase two works that will include replacing the natural turf pitch with artificial grass. This is to allow for more uses with additional lanes added to the athletics track following resurfacing.

“This would be a huge opportunity for Goole as the VPG would provide the only competition standard athletics track in the East Riding.”

Support for re-opening town centre activity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic included two new socially distanced seating areas in the pedestrian plaza and Paradise Place, and the addition of Mr Fill compacting bins.

Screening and spacing has been accommodated with the introduction of planters with sustainable all-year-round grasses to enhance the public realms green environment.

The project, managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, was timed and coincided with the easing of lockdown measures on 12 April.

Charlotte Howe-McCartin, regeneration project co-ordinator at ERYC, said: “Stakeholder groups were established to formulate and agree the architectural designs with the needs of local businesses operating in the areas.

“Equipment was also purchased to test and increase outdoor trading within the pedestrian plaza, and support small business recovery. Stakeholders are currently exploring delivery models and options.”

A parks and gardens package, managed by Goole Town Council is adding significant value to the town’s leisure offer and encourages outdoor physical activities.

The aim was to enable visitors and users of the spaces to gain more from their visits, and for visitor numbers to increase.

The Town Deal work has been completed with Goole Town Council adding more value to increase the level of investment. Additional car parking spaces at both West Park and South Park have also been installed.

These investments have been instrumental in leading Goole Town Council to consider a Feasibility Study to ascertain public views on the proposal to upgrade the current limestone horseshoe track in West Park to a tarmac path. This would be divided into a footpath and a cycling, skating, scooter lane to accommodate a multitude of users.

Oak Hill Country Park saw a partnership formed between East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Siemens Mobility Ltd, via a Section 106 contribution, to add value beyond the statutory necessary refurbishment works to a car park facility and enhance the wider visitor experience.

The Town Deal funds are enabling animation of the route into the reserve with interpretation boards linking industry on Goole 36 with the natural landscape.

Two artists were procured to create several public art site-specific interpretative sculptures for the nature trail and interpret the character of Oakhill Country Park in a unique and interesting manner.

The next step is to commence with the physical car park and track refurbishment works due to be undertaken during May 2021, with snagging/completion sign-off in June.

The Kickstart moped loan scheme provides affordable transport solutions. Previously known as Wheels to Work, the project has successfully operated in Goole for a number of years.

In response to helping support those living or working in the Goole area, the Town Fund has enabled the purchase of a new fleet of Honda Vision 110cc scooters to provide affordable and independent transport solutions.

For more information about the Kickstart moped scheme, visit eryc.link/kickstart-wheels-to-work-scheme or email kickstart @eastriding.gov.uk

Andrew Percy MP added: “The work that’s been undertaken and completed is an excellent first response. We now wait for news of our main funding request, to deliver significant place-based investment in the town centre.”

For further information, visit www.gooletowndeal.co.uk