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Derelict bank transformed into community hub

Lara KingGrimsby
News imageCARE charity Large room with wooden windows. There are rust coloured and green sofas and chairs with flowered William Morris fabrics. There is a shiny wooden coffee table with books and Tulips on it. The walls are painted in peach and blue and there are large green plants and a chandelier along with a standard lamp and desk lamps which are wooden with cream shades. The floor is wooden with a flowered rug. The ceiling is wallpapered in blue William Morris flowered print.CARE charity
The new hub has been designed to make it welcoming to everybody

A former bank in Grimsby has been converted into a community space.

The charity CARE (Christian Action & Resource Enterprise) took over the former Royal Bank of Scotland building in Victoria Street in 2023 and has spent 2 years bringing it back to life.

The ground floor has been transformed with the support of award-winning designer Scott Maddux.

The charity said that visitors during early visits have described the space as feeling like "a five star boutique hotel" and "a stately home".

News imageCARE charity Man with a beard who is wearing a cream cardigan and is standing behind a brown leather sofa. A woman is sitting on the sofa and she is smiling and has long brown hair and is wearing a brown patterned top. The walls are a peach colour at the bottom and cream on top and the ceiling is patterned with a blue William Morris design. There is a window with a cafe style voile curtain and there is a standard lamp with 3 white shades. There is a tall green plant and a picture on the wall.CARE charity
CARE charity wanted the hub to be a welcoming space in the community

Anne Bickerstaffe, chief executive officer of CARE, said: "We wanted to create something different from the usual institutional feel of community centres. We believe people deserve beauty and dignity, especially when life is hard. This space tells people they matter from the moment they walk through the door."

The new interior was designed by Scott Maddux who said: "It was important to create a dialogue with the past in this historic building which has seen many lives."

The ground floor has a public living room, reception area, private crisis support rooms, and a small kitchenette.

Work is continuing to improve accessibility with a lift and central staircase.

When complete the upper floors will provide additional space for groups, activities, and partner organisations.

The CARE Hub opens on 19 January.

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