Work progresses on Grimsby town centre business hub
The transformation of Grimsby town centre is progressing as work advances on converting St James’ House into a business hub.
North East Lincolnshire Council supported E-Factor’s application for a £1.5m towns fund grant towards the £2.5m renovation of the empty building, which has enabled E-Factor to purchase the property and begin redevelopment.
The new hub is set to open early next year upon the completion of phase one.
Once the two-phase project is complete, the E-Factor Business Hub will span three floors, with future plans to remodel the roof space, which offers views of St James’ Square, the Minster, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and the Humber Bank.
Phase one includes redeveloping the ‘arches’ area on the ground floor, which will be available for lease, along with a separate reception area and space for E-Factor’s 15 staff.
More than 23 business units will also be created on the second floor.
Phase two will focus on the remaining floors, including the creation of a new Business Hive HQ on the first floor, featuring a business lounge, a boardroom for over 300 local businesses, and a conference room for meetings, exhibitions, conferences, and other events.
Managing director Mark Webb, Cllr Jackson said: “This vision and ambition is exactly what we need for our town centre and shows how our council’s ambition to work with our partners to achieve such regeneration is becoming a reality.
“Our vision is to see a town centre that is vibrant, and attracts a diverse range of business, retail, leisure and community activities. We see around us now a whole host of schemes that will do just that, and with plans now being finalised for our Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme, there is a positive future to look forward to.
“The building has such potential and I can only endorse what Cllr Jackson has said. We all want what’s right for Grimsby Town Centre and if we can bring in such a variety of businesses, we can play a part in turning this town centre into something incredible. We are not only investing in this building, but we are investing in the whole of Grimsby.”
