Plans for a £22 million redevelopment of Scunthorpe’s former market hall have been revealed, with business space at the fore.
The proposal will include an enterprise and innovation hub, student accommodation, as well as developments to Church Square and Library Square.
It has been submitted by North Lincolnshire Council as part of the Government’s Future High Street Fund, on top of the £25 million that has been awarded from the Towns Fund.
The business hub would span 1,350sq m, including offices, workshops, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces.
A focus will be on creating space for technology businesses and those in the creative industries.
The three-storey building will be equipped with ultrafast broadband and have balcony and terrace areas on the roof designed to encourage collaboration.
A 300sq m co-working café space will also be created on the ground floor, which opens out into the High Street.
Church Square and Library Square’s redevelopment will create spaces to provide places to play, exercise and relax.
Most Read
It will also create a dedicated events space for a range of functions, festivals, and exhibitions to bring a buzz back to the town centre.
This will include a pop-up mall with independent traders and recognised brands side by side to create a unique shopping destination.
Demolition of the former market is already under way, despite a blaze tearing through the building earlier this month.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “These plans for the High Street are ambitious and radical in equal measure. The Government has already committed £25 million to Scunthorpe through the Towns Fund.
“This sustainable development will give residents another reason to rediscover the town centre. The plan is designed to bring people back into the High Street for retail, yes, but also as a place to live, to work and to spend their leisure time.
“These proposals will make a huge difference but they are just one component part of the wider development plans which we are leading for our county town.”
Scunthorpe MP, Holly Mumby-Croft, said: “The Government has continued to show a commitment to our area – and there can be no better place for this to be demonstrated further than here in Scunthorpe.
Don’t miss
“Through the Government Towns Fund, we’ve identified a number of projects across Scunthorpe more broadly but this fund is targeted specifically at the High Street and is complimentary to the £25m allocated through the Towns Fund.
“The High Street was always a key part of the community and these proposals look to renew the area with community, I am really keen that residents see a difference from this money.”
Cllr John Davison, Cabinet Member for Scunthorpe, said: “This is another great scheme for Scunthorpe. The Government cash will make a real difference here. The scheme will provide an exciting future for the former Scunthorpe site.”
Down the A180, North East Lincolnshire Council is working with Freshney Place shopping centre to transform the southern part of Victoria Street, with a cinema and market redevelopment at the core. A bid has also been submitted.
The projects backed by government are expected to be revealed in the autumn.