Construction has officially commenced on the ambitious £50 million redevelopment of Freshney Place shopping centre in Grimsby, marking a significant milestone in the town's regeneration journey.
Transforming Grimsby's Town Centre
The ground breaking ceremony this week signals the start of construction for a scheme that will completely transform the shopping centre into a vibrant multi-use destination. North East Lincolnshire Council confirms the project remains on time and on budget, with completion expected by 2027.
Site preparation work has been progressing throughout this year, including the demolition of the former Market Hall, Flottergate Mall units and the upper floors of the old BHS store, which concluded during the summer months.
A New Leisure and Community Hub
The redevelopment will introduce an exciting mix of facilities designed to revitalise Grimsby's town centre. The scheme will deliver a five-screen Parkway cinema, various leisure amenities, dining and drinking establishments, plus a food hall and market.
Council Leader Councillor Philip Jackson emphasised the project's broader significance, stating: "This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction; it marks a renewed sense of purpose and pride in our town. Together with our partners, we are delivering a destination that is about more than shopping but also leisure and entertainment."
Broader Regeneration Strategy
Freshney Place, acquired by the council in 2022, forms a central element of North East Lincolnshire's comprehensive regeneration strategy. The authority describes the investment as "an important part of a broader strategy to revitalise the area and spark long-term economic and social renewal."
Several complementary projects are already underway, including:
- The Alexandra Dock Housing development, recently granted planning consent for 120 new residential units
- The forthcoming Horizon Youth Zone, designed to support thousands of young people
- An NHS Community Diagnostic Centre that has already opened at the shopping centre
Richard Parkes, Managing Director of Parkway Cinemas, expressed his enthusiasm: "We've been looking forward to this for a long time, and can't wait to get cracking to bring our plans to life. We say this a lot in cinemas - Coming Soon!"
Ed Weston, GMI's Regional Director for Yorkshire, commented: "We are extremely proud to be supporting the council on the delivery of a scheme that will unlock new opportunities and create long-term and far-reaching change for the area by boosting the economy, creating jobs and creating an attractive and vibrant destination."
Paul Sargent, Founder of Queensberry, development manager for Freshney Place, added: "This project is as much about rebuilding confidence in Grimsby as it is about creating a new urban space for the community. The redevelopment of Freshney Place will be a catalyst for lasting change not just physically, but emotionally and economically."
The ground breaking event was attended by Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Tourism, along with representatives from GMI Construction Group, Queensberry and Freshney Place.
