Category Archive News

Read the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council Coun Philip Jackson’s update to full council at the recent meeting held in Grimsby Town Hall:

Much has been happening in and around North East Lincolnshire since my last Leader’s statement back in March.  I can only cover a cross section this evening.

It was bad news earlier this week when the Government confirmed that no acceptable offer had been submitted to the official receivers dealing with Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery (LOR) and that it is expected to close in the autumn. Though the plant is geographically in North Lincolnshire, 65% of the workforce live in North East Lincolnshire. It is clearly a very worrying time for those affected, and we are already actively working with North Lincolnshire’s Council’s Economic Growth Team, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Work and Pensions to develop an action plan, as well as with our local MPs. Clearly, there will also be a major effect on supply chains in the region. The Government has pledged to continue paying staff until October and, apparently, there are buyers potentially interested in parts of the site. However, the Government must recognise that LOR is arguably critical national infrastructure; consider the effect on fuel resilience if it closes permanently. The Government must redouble efforts to find a buyer for the whole site by October.

On a more positive note for the local economy, early June saw Animal Equality UK’s legal challenge to overturn the Planning Committee’s approval for an onshore salmon farm at New Clee Sidings dismissed.  After an 18-month delay, AquaCultured are now free to proceed with the £120 million development, creating about 100 new, well-paid jobs and providing local sustainably sourced salmon for our thriving seafood processing sector. The court verdict was a vindication of our planning processes, including the decision that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not necessary. The delay could easily have resulted in the loss of the project, and it is very disappointing that one of the Independent members of the Planning Committee was an interested party in the judicial review. So much for acting in the best interests of North East Lincolnshire!

Earlier this month, RWE officially opened its Grimsby Hub on the Port of Grimsby. This is its operations and maintenance base for the Triton Knoll and Sofia wind farms in the North Sea. The former has 90 operational wind turbines and the latter will have 100 when completed next year. This is a great vote of confidence for Grimsby and further evidence of the importance of the growing offshore wind sector to the local economy.

Anyone who has recently ventured into Grimsby town centre will have seen the biggest change in the skyline in a generation with the demolition of the former Bullring and Flottergate retail units, to make way for the new leisure scheme at the western end of Freshney Place. The occupier market has responded enthusiastically to the news that the scheme is happening and principal terms for two further lets, over and above Parkway Cinema and Starbucks, were agreed at July’s Freshney Place Cabinet Sub-committee. At the same meeting, terms were also agreed for a national retail chain to take most the ground floor of the former House of Fraser store. This is all great news for the renaissance of Grimsby town centre.  

Of course, all the grant funding that is contributing to this town centre regeneration came from the previous Conservative government, supporting the bold decisions taken by this Conservative administration to purchase both Freshney Place and the former House of Fraser store. I would also remind members that at last December’s Full Council meeting, both Labour and the Independents opposed the Freshney Place regeneration project without offering an alternative. This Conservative administration is transforming Grimsby town centre, attracting private sector investment and jobs, while the other two main parties offer nothing.

Moving now to Children’s Services, we are in the closing stages of our ILACS – Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services – by Ofsted. Over the past couple of years, our Children’s Services have improved at pace and I thank officers and the Portfolio Holder for their dedicated hard work, as well as the extensive preparation for this Ofsted inspection. Members will be informed of the outcome as soon as it can be announced.

Inspections seem to be rather like buses at the moment, with our Adult Social Care CQC assessment current underway too. This will finish on August 6, by which time CQC inspectors will have spoken to more than 100 people, including those with lived experience of adult social care in North East Lincolnshire, elected members, professionals, providers, and voluntary and community sector organisations. We know our structures and arrangements in the adult social care space in North East Lincolnshire are unusual and complex, and we await the outcome of the assessment.  Once again, many thanks to officers and the Portfolio Holder for all their preparatory work.

At the start of July, we welcomed about 270 Equans staff back into the NELC fold as the 15-year outsourcing contract ended, and we brought the various services back in-house. Hopefully, this will make service delivery more seamless for the public but also for us, as elected members. Clearly, there will be a period of consolidation, and then we can assess what is needed to maximise the quality and efficiency of service delivery. Returning these services to council control has been a mammoth project handled very efficiently and I sincerely thank all those involved in the process.

June 28 saw Cleethorpes host the premiere East Coast event of the year – National Armed Forces Day. It was an honour to welcome the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon John Healey MP, to the resort.  As usual, crowds descended on Cleethorpes – and the weather was perfect.  We were on parade on the national stage and, as well as proudly honouring our Armed Forces, the event was a huge boost to the local economy. Well done, and thanks to everyone involved in the organisation and running of the weekend, particularly the Armed Forces Major Events Team. Members will have seen the letter of thanks from the Secretary of State.

Congratulations to Dame Andrea Jenkyns on being elected the first Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire on May 1.  I think it is fair to say that both Dame Andrea and the Combined County Authority (CCA) are still finding their feet. Coin Shreeve and I are the two North East Lincolnshire representatives on the CCA, where I also chair the Business and Infrastructure Board. We will ensure that North East Lincolnshire is well-represented within the context of the wider county. As I have said on the record many times, it is also essential that the Humber economic landscape works. The governance arrangements for effective pan-Humber collaboration, incorporating the two mayors, local authority leaders and business representatives, are currently on the drawing board.

A by-election for a seat on Immingham Town Council, Central Ward will be held on Thursday 14 August 2025, there are two candidates contesting the seat.

What does Immingham Town Council do?

The Town Council has a variety of responsibilities aimed at serving the local community and ensuring the smooth operation of the town. Here are some of the key duties and activities they are involved in:

• The council manages recreation grounds, the cemetery, allotments, grass cutting, litter picking, and other facilities within the parish. They look after community buildings, ensuring they are maintained and available for public use.
• They review and comment on planning applications within the parish to ensure that developments align with the community’s needs and standards.
• The town council liaises with relevant authorities and partners regarding infrastructure, policing, and community issues to represent the views of the local area and secure the best outcomes for residents.
• They engage with various other organisations about the current and future shape of life in the local area, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in decision-making processes.

How can I vote?

This by-election is for residents in IM4 and IM5 (Central Ward) of the Immingham Town Council area. If you’re not on the electoral register, the deadline to register and still be eligible to vote in this election is Tuesday 29 July 2025. You can register to vote quickly and easily at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote- external site .

If you want to change the way you vote, please be aware of the following deadlines:

Wednesday 30 July 2025 at 5pm – Deadline to apply for new postal and proxy votes or to make changes to an existing one.

Wednesday 6^th August 2025 at 5pm – Deadline to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You need photo ID to vote in person.  

Wednesday 6th August 2025 at 5pm – Deadline to request a new proxy vote.

For more information, please visit the Councils website or contact the Electoral Services team.

Article from NELC.

“We have listened and we are taking this action as a result.”

The words of the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, after a meeting of last night’s Full Council voted to approve new recommendations to Cabinet to secure the future of Cleethorpes and Waltham Libraries, and to re-open the main Grimsby Central Library building, subject to options and costs for its refurbishment.

The following four proposals, put forward by the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy Cllr Hayden Dawkins, will now be discussed and voted on by the next Cabinet meeting of the council. These proposals are also subject to an urgent and comprehensive analysis of the results of the recent Library & Archive Review Phase 2 public consultation:

• Cleethorpes Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities are pursued;
• Waltham Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities are pursued;
• In principle, the current Grimsby Central Library is reopened subject to confirmation of the options and costs for refurbishment, on which there will be full and transparent engagement;
• During the temporary closure of Grimsby Central Library, a pop-up facility be provided in Freshney Place to ensure the Council provides an alternative service location in Grimsby for residents within this period.

A petition, supported by more than 4,700 residents was presented to the Council meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Dawkins said this move proved how he and his fellow Cabinet members fully understood the strength of feeling within the community, including those views included in the petition.

Cllr Dawkins echoed the words of Cllr Jackson, saying: “I wish to make it very clear how, throughout the consultation on possible changes to the library service, it was always our intention to be open-minded, and transparent in our drive to improve the services and ensure the libraries become vibrant and well-used community spaces for all ages.

“It has been made very clear that people want to ensure changes are made within the existing library buildings. We are therefore more than happy to look again, and to make these new recommendations. This is about listening to the people and working with our communities to achieve positive change,” he added.

At the Full Council meeting an amendment was also supported, which was to establish a select committee to consider the developments of the library service going forward.

Article, video and image from NELC.

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council will recommend to Government that its existing boundaries remain, as it pledges to continue its partnership working to grow opportunities for its place and people.

Citing the strides that have, and are, being made with regards to the economy and the positive work within communities, a Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), report was discussed and voted on by members at the authority’s Full Council meeting tonight (Thursday).

It was agreed that:

• The preference is for North East Lincolnshire to remain within its current administrative boundaries;
• This option is promoted across Greater Lincolnshire;
• The authority continues to explore opportunities to work closely with North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire County Councils on any Greater Lincolnshire submissions to government.

Within the report, it states how the preference for existing boundaries to remain does not mean the authority will stand still. There is a commitment to a refresh of arrangements, touching upon governance, democracy, and opportunities. Activity, which has been paused, such as the review to be conducted by the Boundary Commission of England, would be completed.

An LGR Working Group comprising of the four main group leaders, will now continue to work with officers on a full proposal to meet the Government’s November submission deadline.  This group was established to consider LGR and propose the preferred way forward.

All local authorities have been asked to submit proposals for new structures, following the release of the Government’s LGR White Paper. In Greater Lincolnshire the 10 councils – the two unitary authorities in North and North East Lincolnshire, one county council and seven districts – are all working up their preferences. The Government will decide on a way forward after considering all submissions.

North East Lincolnshire’s proposal will be supported by evidence of how, as a smaller unitary, it is able to forge close and positive working relationships to support its Council Plan vision to build a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’.

It will detail how the borough’s unique south Humber position has seen close partnerships built leading to significant investment in green energy, ports and logistics, and food processing.

The result has been an improvement in prospects with current ONS data showing that North and North East Lincolnshire are now 7% more productive when compared nationally. And, with a local median earning of £34,614 a year, North East Lincolnshire now has the highest median earning rate in the region, just below the national average – demonstrating the continuing growth in skilled employment in the area.

It will also highlight the vital ties to the borough’s communities and the strides that are being made to improve challenges in health inequalities and housing, to regenerate the town centre and to support the borough’s children, young people and adults.

The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “I would like to give recognition to my fellow group leaders. Cllrs Clough, Aisthorpe, Holland and I have worked productively with officers to fully examine what we believe to be the best way forward.

“Crucially this is about the future growth and improvement of North East Lincolnshire, its economy and its people, whilst working within the Greater Lincolnshire footprint, to provide support, opportunity and respond positively to challenge.

“We have clearly shown how a smaller unitary with unique characteristics, challenges and geography can attract public and private sector investment that can and is enabling significant positive change. We firmly believe it is our size and drive that has achieved this and we want the opportunity, as a council, to continue this work, which will be of benefit to everyone locally, regionally and nationally,” added Cllr Jackson.

As the full submission is worked on, North East Lincolnshire Council will be asking people to have their say as part of public engagement. More details will be released soon.

Article from NELC.

PLANS have been approved to transform the health of the borough following a recommendation from leading Councillors in the borough.

North East Lincolnshire Council has today confirmed its commitment to becoming a Marmot Place, following Cabinet’s endorsement of the full implementation of the Marmot framework.

The decision marks a milestone in the borough’s ambition to reduce health inequalities and improve the wellbeing of all residents.

The proposals take their name from Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who is widely recognised as a World-leading expert in Public Health, and has championed health-led initiatives to significantly improve the lives of people living in towns and cities across the UK.

The approach, which was developed by Prof Marmot and the UCL Institute of Health Equity, set out a number of principles aimed at tackling the root causes of health inequality and building fairer, healthier places.

In areas that commit to becoming Marmot Places, each and every decision taken by authorities should consider the eight Marmot principles. Examples of places that have adopted the Marmot principles include Greater Manchester, the UK’s first Marmot City Region, and Kent, the first coastal Marmot Place.

Speaking after the vote, Deputy Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said:

“I’m proud that my colleagues have committed today to making our area a Marmot Place.

“This is a significant step towards improving the lives of everyone in North East Lincolnshire.

“The authority will put health at the forefront of decision-making, ensuring  that our residents are able to lead long, healthy lives.

“This is about embedding fairness, prevention, and equity into all aspects of local governance and service delivery.

“There are unacceptable health inequalities in our area, and tonight, following the recommendations of a cross party working group, Cabinet has committed to doing all that we can to tackle them.”

Director of Public Health in North East Lincolnshire, Diane Lee, added:

“Right now, the difference in life expectancy between someone living in one part of the borough to the other is up to 18-years. The average healthy life expectancy is 55 years. People living over 55 are likely to have health conditions that might limit their lifestyles.

“The reasons for this are varied. From diet to smoking and lack of exercise, through to environmental factors like pollution, deprivation, access to clean energy and transport infrastructure.

“Areas like ours, that face significant health challenges, can reverse these trends over time by taking very careful, deliberated and directed action in specific areas.

“Things like improved transport infrastructure, help for people to quit smoking, improve their diets and exercise more, and greater support to upgrade poor quality housing.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot added:

“We are delighted to be working with North East Lincolnshire to tackle the root causes of ill health and to reduce the unfair and unnecessary inequalities in health which blight the lives of too many.

“Our work with other places across the UK has demonstrated what can be done despite significant funding constraints and limited powers.  North East Lincs now joins nearly 60 other places across the UK who are prioritising health equity.”

There is already work going on to tackle some of these challenges. North East Lincolnshire Council have taken steps to improve the outcomes of infants in their early years through improving school readiness, supporting the development of their speech and language, and promoting healthy child development and parent-infant relationships.

There is also a significant local effort to improve the educational achievements of young people locally, and particularly those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Now approved, Public Health officials will work closely with partner agencies to lead on community interventions, from making sure that Council policies reflect public health outcomes, to ensuring that front-line services are well equipped and informed to best support residents in tackling health-related inequalities.

To find out more about the Marmot Principles, visit https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/taking-action/marmot-places

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council have renewed their Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) to help tackle key issues like Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and dog fouling.

Originally implemented in 2019, these orders are intended to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour in a local area that is detrimental to the community’s quality of life. They do so by imposing conditions in various areas to ensure everyone can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing nuisance and annoyance.

These conditions include the prohibition of cycling in Grimsby town centre, fishing without permits at certain lakes and not picking up after their dog. PSPOs are in place across a number of areas in the borough, including Cleethorpes sea front, Grimsby town centre as well as parks and open spaces.

Following a recent review period, the PSPOs around the borough were renewed in June for another three years until June 2028.

These rules are essential in keeping the public safe, something that was exemplified in May last year when Grimsby resident Susan Godfrey was left scarred by someone who was cycling down Victoria Street.

Ultimately, Susan was left with a scar along her arm, a lasting reminder of why these PSPOs are essential for ensuring safety. Additionally, PSPOs around dog fouling are helping to tackle an issue that affects many areas of North East Lincolnshire.

Between September 2023 and August 2024, 284 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued for dog fouling related offences. These particular PSPO rules ensure pet owners are held responsible should they act irresponsibly.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Environment, said: “Renewing these PSPOs are essential to help tackle some of the key issues affecting residents across North East Lincolnshire.

“Dog fouling and cycling may seem like minor issues, but incidents like the one Susan was involved in and the widespread impact dog fouling has to residents shows why they’re so important.

“I’m happy to support their renewal and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to have. Also, we will keep amending and renewing the PSPOs to reflect the changing challenges Anti-Social Behaviour presents across the borough.”

Article and image from NELC.

M Core, one of Europe’s leading property collectives, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Kennedy Way in Immingham, a 46,001 sq ft well-established community retail centre comprising 20 retail units. This strategic purchase further strengthens M Core’s commitment to revitalising essential local shopping destinations across the UK.

The retail parade, anchored by Tesco, B&M and Home Bargains, is centrally located within Immingham and benefits from a substantial dedicated car park. National and independent retailers alike are represented, reflecting its role as a key hub for the town’s growing population.

At the point of acquisition, five units were vacant, with offers received on three units and discussions with a number of parties on the remaining units ongoing, with unit split options also being explored. 

Refurbishment works have already commenced across the vacant units, with works to include full shell and core refurbishments to vacant units and the installation of new modern shopfronts.  External works are to be undertaken to uplift the parade, which include the upgrading of estate-wide lighting to energy-efficient state-of-the-art LEDs, and comprehensive canopy redecoration. 

James Buchanan, group managing director of LCP, part of M Core, said: “Kennedy Way represents exactly the kind of vibrant, community-focused retail centre that aligns with our investment strategy. We’re excited about the opportunity to reinvigorate this scheme and work closely with existing and future tenants to deliver long-term value for Immingham. The early stages of refurbishment are already in motion, and we are committed to ensuring the town’s central hub realises its full potential.” 

M Core is also deploying intensive asset management strategies across the scheme, with the objective of supporting and strengthening tenant mix and occupancy. Kennedy Way follows similar successful recent acquisitions of like-for-like community retail schemes, such as Greenfern Place in Mastrick, Aberdeen which was acquired in May 2025.  The asset was purchased with seven void units; five have already been let and offers have finalised on the other two.

Coun Stewart Swinburn, Conservative councillor for the Immingham ward, said: “Kennedy Way is a vital shopping centre for the local community, providing everyday convenience in a central location with the added benefit of great car parking and a strong mix of national brands. We’re pleased to see M Core, investing in this important local asset. The refurbishment will make a big difference to the centre and the wider area. Immingham Town Council and the three NELC Ward Councillors are working closely with the new owners, LCP, part of M Core, to bring vacant units back into use for the benefit of all. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to make Kennedy Way a thriving centre for residents and visitors alike.”

Op Mastery, CCTV and PSPO may not mean anything immediately to residents of North East Lincolnshire, but they are all key in combatting Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).

The Council, Humberside Police and other organisations are dedicated to making the borough a safer place however they can. During Anti-Social Behaviour week, Monday, 30 June to Sunday, 6 July, they’re highlighting some of the fantastic work that has been done to help make North East Lincolnshire a better place.

Working in unison with Humberside Police, With You, WISE and other organisations, the Days of Action across Grimsby town centre, Grant Thorold Park and Immingham have proved invaluable. Under the title of Op Mastery, Op Agility and Op Mandala respectively, the initiatives have looked at tackling ASB and other crime in certain areas with great success.

Under Op mastery, crime in Grimsby town centre has reduced by 5% with ASB reducing by 14% and alcohol related ASB BY 51% over the course of the last 12 months. However, these Days of Actions aren’t the only explanation for this.

The Council’s state of the art CCTV system has almost 140 static and 37 rapid deployment cameras covering the borough, with operators linking into Police officers who are on the ground. This joined up approach means crime can be spotted and dealt with quicker than before.

For example, over the course of three months, October to December 2024, Council cameras aided in 555 separate emergency services incidents ranging from missing people to those committing ASB.

However, it isn’t all about enforcement. Elsewhere in Grimsby, through the Greening Up Our Town Centre grant, the Council have worked alongside Grimsby in Bloom and Dogma Art to provide an attractive aesthetic to those shopping or working in the town centre.

With numerous flowerbeds, living walls and vibrant street art, there is plenty to welcome people into Grimsby, deterring individuals from committing ASB.

Other operations, such as Op Snap, have helped to tackle specific ASB issues in Cleethorpes by following this model. Reports from residents and businesses highlighted key locations where nuisance driving was a regularly occurring issue.

Dedicated CCTV support and police patrols in these areas over the course of several months last Summer led to vehicles being seized with numerous drivers given cautions and warnings about their behaviour.

Members of the public are being encouraged to send in dashcam footage of poor driving as part of Op Snap to help discourage further ASB regarding driving.

Another key element of tackling ASB are the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) around the borough. These are intended to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour in a local area that is detrimental to the community’s quality of life. They do so by imposing conditions on the use of that area to ensure everyone can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing nuisance and annoyance.

For example, PSPOs are in place along Victoria Street, Grimsby, to prevent people from cycling. The necessity of this particular PSPO was outlined in May 2024 when Grimsby resident Susan Godfrey was left scarred by someone not adhering to the rules.

Ultimately, Susan was left with a scar along her arm, a lasting reminder of why these PSPOs are essential for ensuring the public’s safety. Working in conjunction with these measures are the Town Centre Marshals who are solely stationed in Grimsby Town Centre, ensuring the PSPOs are being adhered to. A deterrent in the campaign against ASB, these individuals are there to help, but also to enforce and issue fines to those who do not follow the rules.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “This is a very important week for the Council and our partners.

“Officers work tirelessly to ensure the public feel safe and welcomed across North East Lincolnshire and the recent results show that what we are doing is working.

“We are a zero tolerance Council and will take appropriate action against this small minority of people who are causing ASB. Although it is ASB week, I want to make it abundantly clear that this is something we focus on everyday and will continue to do so to make sure North East Lincolnshire is welcoming for those who live, work and visit the borough.”

Humberside Police Area Commander, Paul French, added: “We’ve been working hard to tackle anti-social behaviour across North East Lincolnshire by collaborating closely with local partners. Each month, we hold dedicated days of action focused on addressing the key issues impacting town centres in the area.”

“Listening to our communities plays a vital role in what we do, it helps us understand your concerns and take the right steps to deal with any emerging problems. Our goal is to help make our neighbourhoods safer places to live.”

“None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our local communities. By working with you, we’re able to build strong relationships that help us better understand your needs and priorities.”

How to report ASB?

If you witness any ASB and want to report it, there are a number of effective ways you can do so:

• NELC website – To report ASB, visit the North East Lincolnshire Council website here, https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/keeping-our-area-clean-and-safe/anti-social-behaviour/
• Call 101 – If you feel the police are required, call 101 immediately and ask for help or 999 in an emergency
• Op Snap – If you have footage of people driving in an anti-social manner, you can report it via the website here, https://www.humberside.police.uk/police-forces/humberside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-snap/- external site

Article and image from NELC.

The award-winning construction company helping to transform Grimsby Town Centre is also working closely with the local community to leave a lasting positive impact on the area.

GMI Construction Group PLC is a national UK Contractor providing specialist design and build projects across the country.

The hugely ambitious £50-million project, commissioned by NELC, is re-imagining the town centre to provide a more sustainable, safe and welcoming environment for visitors and residents. With a new cinema, food and beverage outlets and state-of-the-art market, there will be an abundance of new amenities for the public to enjoy at Freshney Place.

As it works to deliver this project, GMI is also driving social value and outreach projects in the region, supporting, delivering and capturing employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

It is doing this by working closely with North East Lincolnshire Council to ensure support for NELC’s drive for jobs for local residents.

Throughout the build, the company has set itself targets including providing apprenticeships, hiring unemployed people, providing work experience opportunities, and hosting informative visits to the Freshney Place site from schools and colleges.

It has also supported a Parents’ Careers Evening at the Humber Royal Hotel, set up a Just Giving Page for fundraising for Grimsby Horizon Youth Zone, attended a Careers Progression event at Grimsby Institute, hosted a school visit by Littlecoates Primary School to see demolition machinery in operation, delivered a speed networking session as part of Careers Shift sessions run by NELC Adult Skills team, and met the team behind a jobs café which will be taking over a unit in the shopping centre to see where sub-contractors could potentially support with the fit out.

The most recent project involved students from Hibaldstow Academy, who visited Freshney Place to see the ongoing demolition works. Escorted around the site by GMI Project Manager Dave Fish, the students were taught about the importance of every job that goes into creating these developments, as well as being shown some of the equipment used on the project.

They heard how demolition work is now well underway, with units in The Bullring the latest to be knocked down, and construction work is expected to begin later this year. The scheme will secure the long-term future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 jobs it currently supports.

Brendan Tannam, GMI Responsible Business Partner, said:  “We are involved in a wide range of social value projects like giving children a site tour, taking on T-Level students and supporting other local projects, such as the upcoming Horizon Youth Zone.

 “It’s so important to offer these opportunities to local people when we’re right on the doorstep; it allows them to play a part in their own regeneration.”

 North East Lincolnshire Council Leader,  Cllr Philip Jackson, said. “We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in.

“We are enormously grateful to GMI, and its Responsible Business Partner, Brendan Tannam, for the extra lengths the company is going to in order to support educational projects and job creation in Grimsby as it helps us to transform the town centre.

“Local job creation and the involvement of local people in this project not only brings benefits to the economy but also promotes pride and ownership in the scheme.

“The repurposing of the western end of Freshney Place is the largest regeneration scheme in the area and, along with the other projects around the town centre, it  is set to transform the centre of Grimsby, attracting in more people for a range of exciting, new activities.

“As the demolition work continues, residents and visitors to Grimsby can see transformational change taking place.”