Paula Graves, Community-Led Housing Manager sets out how East Marsh in Grimsby has been transformed by residents through a community-led movement. The East Marsh Community Benefit Society purchases derelict or mismanaged terraced houses, transforming them into warm and safe affordable homes. East Marsh United brings residents together, cultivating joy and wellbeing through community events.

The North of England is at a turning point. As the Renew inquiry highlights, housing-led regeneration is not merely about “bricks and mortar”; it is the cornerstone of economic growth, resident wellbeing, and community resilience. For regeneration to be truly transformational, it must ensure that “no one and nowhere is left behind.”

Nowhere is this mission more evident, or more vital, than in the East Marsh of Grimsby. East Marsh United (EMU) has spent nearly a decade redefining what it means to rebuild a neighbourhood from the inside out, providing a blueprint for the person-centered regeneration that Renew champions across the Northern regions.

The Catalyst: From 2017 to a community-led movement

For years, the narrative surrounding East Marsh was dictated by external statistics and “top-down” assessments. Grimsby, once the premier fishing port of the world, faced the painful transition of deindustrialisation, leaving behind pockets of significant deprivation and neglected housing stock.

East Marsh United (EMU) did not emerge from a boardroom or a government white paper. Established in 2017, it emerged from the streets. A group of residents, tired of seeing their neighbourhood overlooked and their homes deteriorate into the hands of neglectful absentee landlords, decided to take collective action. They recognised that if the “North is to hit the ground running” with devolution and investment, that momentum must be rooted in the aspirations of those who live there.

Housing at the heart: The East Marsh Community CBS

Renew identifies that “the housing crisis looks different in different places”. In East Marsh, the crisis wasn’t just a lack of supply; it was a crisis of quality, energy efficiency, and control.

To address this directly, EMU took a sophisticated step forward in 2021 by establishing its housing arm, East Marsh Community, as a Community Benefit Society (CBS). This legal structure ensures that the assets are owned by the community, for the community, and that any surplus is reinvested back into the neighbourhood.

Transforming the streets

By purchasing derelict or poorly managed terrace houses, the CBS is transforming them into affordable, warm, and safe homes. Unlike traditional developers, their motivation is social profit. They ensure homes are energy-efficient to tackle fuel poverty. We’ve established an active tenants’ group to ensure residents have a direct line to their ethical landlord and a say in how their homes are managed, and we are bringing housing back into local hands to prevent the “drain” of wealth from the area.

Beyond bricks: the social fabric of regeneration

Housing is the foundation, but regeneration fails if it stops at the front door. EMU understands that a “stronger, more cohesive community” requires a holistic approach to wellbeing. Our work is characterised by being community-wanted and community-led, with residents helping to plan and organise every initiative.

The RAW Project is a standout example of EMU’s commitment to the next generation. By engaging young people through music and creativity, we provide a platform for those often marginalised in traditional regeneration talks. Their music, such as their recent song ‘Leap of Faith’, serves as a powerful anthem for the area’s resilience and potential.

Cultivating joy and wellbeing

Regeneration is often discussed in technical terms, but EMU focuses on the “heart” of the community through:

  • The East Marsh Peace Choir: This brings neighbours together to find their collective voice through song.
  • Energy Play Days: Innovative social gatherings that combine family fun with practical education on energy efficiency and sustainable living.
  • Social Gatherings: From street parties to planning meetings, these events are designed to combat isolation and build the “social glue” necessary for a thriving community.

The power of partnership and research

The Renew inquiry rightly points out that the North is “leading the way with devolution”. However, devolution is most effective when it reaches the neighbourhood level.

EMU hasn’t worked in isolation. By collaborating with partners, we have created a comprehensive East Marsh Community Plan. This document serves as a strategic roadmap, ensuring that local, mayoral, and housing authorities have a clear understanding of the community’s vision and requirements.

To ensure this isn’t a one-off consultation, EMU runs the Community Network Research. This platform serves as a digital town square where local people have their voices heard, and where evidence-based research is gathered directly from the lived experience of residents. This “citizen science” approach ensures that policy is dictated by reality, not just data models.

Conclusion: resetting the narrative

Since 2017, the story of East Marsh United has been one of reclaiming agency. It proves that housing-led regeneration is most potent when it is inclusive, person-centered, and community-driven. As the Renew inquiry gathers evidence, East Marsh stands as a reminder that the North’s greatest asset is its people. By supporting the “East Marsh model,” we can ensure that regeneration doesn’t just build homes; it builds hope, health, and a thriving economic future for every corner of the North.

The perspectives collection showcases a range of opinions about regeneration. The views expressed in the articles are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the position of the NHC or the Renew inquiry.