North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) has stated that removing the artworks from Abbey Walk car park ahead of demolition is likely to be “incredibly difficult.”
The structure was built in 1969, but has been closed since May 2024 due to structural defects. Last year, NELC approved plans to demolish the car park and replace it with a ground-level facility as part of a larger project to consolidate the town’s transport options into one space.
The car park features several modernist reliefs by renowned artist and sculptor Harold Gosney, which local campaigners have been urging NELC to preserve.
Following a meeting between the Council and artist Harold Gosney, it was confirmed that the panels were cast in situ with metal bars running through them as part of the car park’s structure. The authority said this would make removal a complex task.
A council report previously acknowledged that the artworks are of historic interest to some community groups. However, the report also noted that removing the reliefs may be too costly or unsafe.
NELC says it has now engaged a specialist team from Lincoln University to produce a 3D scan of the reliefs later this month. The upcoming tender for the car park’s demolition will also include details about the reliefs and request preservation options for the originals.
The tender is expected to be released in the coming months.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.