Councillors have today (15 July) approved the submission of a major bid to Government for £25m of funding to help regenerate Grimsby town centre.
As previously reported, the proposals have been worked up jointly by the Council and the owners of Freshney Place, supported by a range of specialists with experience of the retail and leisure sectors to ensure any future scheme addresses the challenges being faced by town centres across the country.
The government has created the Future High Streets Fund with the objective to renew and reshape town centres and high streets to improve visitor experience, drive growth and ensure future sustainability.
If successful, the partners have impressive plans to put the heart and soul back into Grimsby Town Centre with a new cinema, and food and beverage offers – together with a redeveloped market hall and new public square. The vision is to develop an evening economy for the town, increase leisure activities and draw in more visitors with a better experience for the whole community.
In identifying the site for investment, extensive research was undertaken which examined areas that could be improved with investment to generate transformational change, which is a key requirement for securing the grant monies.
The location proposed comprises the western side of Victoria Street, incorporating the former BHS building, Flottergate Mall, Grimsby Top Town Market and Old Market Square. Having considered the emerging Grimsby masterplan work, the built environment, the current uses and redundant buildings, this site was selected as the prime area for regeneration as required by the Government fund.
The wholescale transformational offer has been put together to deliver real change for Grimsby – helping the town adapt to changing visitor needs and requirements and making it a place for everyone to come together and enjoy.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Pulling this bid together is a monumental piece of work, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for the work put in so far. The vision for the town centre is really exciting, and really complements the work on the ground at the moment at St James’ Square and Garth Lane.
“We want to take everyone with us as we progress this plan. Change is not just desirable to recreate our town centre, it is vital and this is Grimsby’s biggest and best chance to look at what is really required to create a new future and support wider local economic recovery. We are also grateful for the support of the Greater Grimsby Board in putting this bid forward.”
The final bid will be submitted to Government at the end of July, and successful bids are expected to be announced in the autumn.
Article and image from NELC.
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