Rescuing Retro Concrete Art from a Crumbling 60s Car Park!

In Grimsby, four large concrete artworks have been rescued from a car park that is being demolished. These sculptures were created by Harold Gosney, a local artist, and have been part of the Abbey Walk car park since the 1960s. The car park had forty concrete panels, each showing one of four unique designs inspired by drawings found in car handbooks. The local civic society worked hard to save these pieces, believing they are an important part of the town’s history and culture.

North East Lincolnshire Council decided to remove the panels before the car park was completely torn down. A specialist contractor was brought in to do the job. Workers used a concrete saw to cut the panels free, and a crane lifted them down. The panels are very heavy, each weighing about two tonnes, so it was a difficult and careful process. The workers wore high-visibility clothing to stay safe while working around the demolition site. After being removed, the panels were placed on pallets so they could be stored safely until a decision is made about their future.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn explained that the goal was to save one of each of the four designs. He said there was some minor damage to one panel and to the edges of the others, but overall, the operation was a success. Now, the council will consider where to display the artworks so that people in Grimsby can continue to enjoy them. Many local residents have already suggested possible locations. The council will review these ideas and choose the best option. The car park itself was closed in May 2024 after structural problems were found, making it unsafe. Even though the building is being demolished, the rescued artworks will help keep a piece of Grimsby’s history alive for future generations.