Construction work is now under way on the £50m redevelopment of Freshney Place shopping centre in Grimsby, which the council confirms is "on time and on budget".
Site preparation activities have been ongoing throughout this year, with the demolition of the former Market Hall, Flottergate Mall units and the upper floors of the previous BHS store finishing during the summer period.
Spearheaded by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) and backed by government funding, the project will transform the shopping centre into a multi-use destination incorporating retail, leisure, healthcare and community services.
READ MORE: {}
The authority describes the investment as "an important part of a broader strategy to revitalise the area and spark long-term economic and social renewal".
This week signals the official commencement of the construction stage for the scheme, which will provide a new five-screen cinema, leisure amenities, dining and drinking venues plus a food hall and market by 2027, reports .
Council leader, Coun Philip Jackson, said: "This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction; it marks a renewed sense of purpose and pride in our town. The project is on time and on budget.
"Together with our partners, we are delivering a destination that is about more than shopping but also leisure and entertainment. It's also going to be an important contributor to our local economy creating local jobs and opportunities."
The shopping centre, acquired by the council in 2022, forms a central element of its ambitious regeneration strategy. Multiple additional schemes are currently underway, including the Alexandra Dock Housing development, which recently secured planning consent for 120 new residential units in the town centre, alongside the forthcoming Horizon Youth Zone, designed to offer activities and support to thousands of young people.
Most Read
Freshney Place has already secured a pre-let deal for a multi-screen cinema with local operator Parkway as part of the redevelopment. An NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has also opened at the shopping centre, anticipated to attract tens of thousands of visits annually.
Richard Parkes, managing director of Parkway Cinemas, said: "We're delighted to hit another milestone in this reimagining of Grimsby. It can feel like there's been lots of talk and trailers for this, so it's brilliant to see the demolition begin to come to an end, and something real being built too. We've been looking forward to this for a long time, and can't wait to get cracking to bring our plans to life. We say this a lot in cinemas - Coming Soon!". Ed Weston, GMI's Regional Director for Yorkshire, commented: "The start of construction is a significant milestone for all involved, and we are extremely proud to be supporting the council on the delivery of a scheme that will unlock new opportunities and create long-term and far-reaching change for the area by boosting the economy, creating jobs and creating an attractive and vibrant destination.
"With a proven track record in construction excellence, GMI is committed to maintaining the highest standards throughout every phase of this project. By working collaboratively with NELC, Queensberry and other stakeholders, we are focused on creating a destination that the community can take pride in."
Paul Sargent, Founder of Queensberry, development manager and asset manager for Freshney Place, stated: "This project is as much about rebuilding confidence in Grimsby as it is about creating a new urban space for the community. By creating a modern, mixed use town centre that blends housing, shopping, leisure, and essential services like healthcare and education, we're meeting real community needs while encouraging inward investment.
"The redevelopment of Freshney Place will be a catalyst for lasting change not just physically, but emotionally and economically."