Fresh plans submitted for £17.3m town centre regeneration project
A new home for Grimsby’s Top Town Market, with a new cinema and leisure offer nearby, remains the priority of a multi-million-pound plan to reinvent the town centre, say regeneration bosses.
The redesigned plans, submitted to Government for final approval late last week, detail how an offer of £17.3m of Government funding is to be invested, transforming the western end of Victoria Street.
It was revealed in December that the Council and its bid partner Freshney Place, had been successful in securing £17.3m from the £1b Future High Streets Fund, (FHSF) – a Government programme inviting local authorities to bid for town centre regeneration funding.
The public and private partnership had submitted its initial bid last summer, applying for the maximum amount of £25m to completely transform the area around Victoria Street West encompassing the former BhS building, Flottergate Mall, Grimsby Top Town Market and Old Market Square. The revised plans remain closely aligned to the main elements of the original proposal and its objectives.
Last week, the Council’s Cabinet heard how the plans will deliver transformational change through the leisure-led development.
Plans to create a new purpose-built home for the market fronting Victoria Street remain at the heart of the scheme, as well as establishing a cinema and other leisure space.
As previously reported, both partners are committed to working with nearby businesses, including those trading at the market.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, described how he wanted the plans to create a different offer for Grimsby Town Centre. He saud “This is the largest single grant the borough has ever had the chance of receiving, in fact, the seventh highest grant award in the country, out of 101 total bids received by Government.
“We have a vision for the town which is focussed on developing an evening economy, increasing leisure activities, and drawing in more visitors with a better experience for the whole community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these proposals agreed so we can get on with delivering our ambitions for positive change in Grimsby town centre.”
Amanda Austin, centre director, said: “We are really pleased with the new proposal we are submitting to the Government and believe these plans will deliver both the leisure and hospitality facilities that will truly add value to Grimsby whilst benefitting its community. We are confident that this development will build a strong platform for the future prosperity of the town.”
The scheme has been developed as a partnership scheme between the Council, Freshney Place and Capreon, the asset managers acting on behalf of the owners of Freshney Place.
