An ambitious new plan to transform Grimsby town centre has been unveiled.
Local authority North East Lincolnshire Council and the owner of the indoor shopping centre, Freshney Place, have united as they seek to secure a £25 million funding pot from the government.
At the heart of the proposal remains a cinema, but the latest vision sees a focus on an enhanced public square with increased outdoor space.
Planning permission had already been secured for a complex on the Riverhead - the opposite end of the town centre core - but it has not progressed.
The new scheme would see a major redevelopment of the market hall area as a multi-screen cinema, with the traders moving pitches towards the main shopping street, as existing buildings are repurposed and remodelled.
It will depend on success with a Future High Streets Fund bid, with backed projects to be revealed in the autumn.
Partners believe it would “put the heart and soul back into Grimsby town centre”. The vision is to develop an evening economy for the town, increase leisure activities and draw in more visitors with a better experience for all.
North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “We want to take everyone with us as we progress this plan. Change is not just desirable to recreate our town centre, it is vital and this is Grimsby’s biggest and best chance to look at what is really required to create a new future.
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“We appreciate that to some people it may seem like there have been a number of plans that have not progressed. However, if our bid is accepted then this redevelopment has the strongest chance of success as the money is secured from central Government. This is a very important element of wider town centre improvements that we will be consulting on in the near future.”
The proposed location takes in the western side of Victoria Street, incorporating the former BHS building, Flottergate Mall, Grimsby Top Town Market and Old Market Square. Having considered the Grimsby masterplan, the built environment, the current uses and redundant buildings, this site was selected as the prime area for regeneration as required by the fund.
The formal bid submission will be made next month, with those behind it no doubt keen to see Grimsby’s pilot Town Deal status play in their favour, with easing of access to funds a key attraction.
Work is now being brought forward on the Kasbah at Grimsby Docks and Garth Lane, where an £8.5 million OnSide youth facility and higher education campus is proposed.
Cllr John Fenty, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “If you look around, you can see that the schemes we have already won grant funding for are now being delivered.
“The proposed scheme sits at the heart of the town centre and aligns with our vision to breathe new and vibrant life into the town centre, incorporating a state of the art market, new leisure, food and drinks outlets and a new public square. I’m excited to see the proposals and hope that others will be too.”
Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for tourism and culture, added: “Nationally, town centres are changing to incorporate more leisure use. We’re working to incorporate cultural elements already in the Garth Lane and St James’ schemes that are already on site, and the vision to add this leisure offering is completely complementary.”
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Should the bid be accepted, talks would begin with market traders, town centre retailers and other businesses in the area.
Amanda Austin, Freshney Place centre director, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council to formulate and submit these exciting proposals which we see as a huge opportunity to reshape, revive and harmonise Grimsby town centre and Freshney Place shopping centre for the benefit of all our customers and retailers as well as all the residents of Grimsby and the surrounding area.”