Work begins to revitalise shopping centre and secure its long-term future
GMI Construction Group has started work on one of the largest regeneration projects in Grimsby’s history – the transformation of Freshney Place into a leisure, retail, food hub and complimentary market.
This investment, backed by the Government and North East Lincolnshire Council, aims to revitalise the shopping area to secure its long-term economic future.
GMI, appointed principal contractor by the council’s regeneration manager Queensberry, will construct a modern market hall with refreshed facades, featuring internal upgrades, and a new five-screen cinema and adjacent leisure facility, developed as “shell-only” units providing greater flexibility for tenants.
It will also deliver three commercial units designed for food and beverage operators, a newly designed public square serving as a central focal point, upgraded shopfronts and bulkheads within Market Square, as well as the refurbishment of three existing retail units.
The initial phase involves an internal strip-out followed by the demolition in summer of the existing market hall and rooftop carpark.
There will also be a partial demolition of the former BHS store on Flottergate and several commercial units in Flottergate Mall and the Bullring.
Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough.
“Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen.
“It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports.”
Ed Weston, GMI’s commercial director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre.
“Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Paul Sargent, founder of Queensberry, and the council’s development and asset manager for Freshney Place, added: “We are looking forward to working with GMI’s team on this critical regeneration project that is vital to the continued success and popularity of Freshney Place.
“This is the sort of placemaking everyone talks about, but not everyone gets the opportunity to create.”
