Work has started on site on one of the biggest single investments in Grimsby town centre’s history, the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market.
National construction company GMI Construction Group will lead the build of the leisure scheme, having worked on similar projects in other towns and cities across the UK.
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 that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Amanda Austin, Centre Director, Freshney Place, said: “This is a major milestone for Freshney Place and the wider Grimsby town centre. The start of construction marks the beginning of an exciting transformation as we develop a fantastic new offering.
“Freshney Place has served the community for nearly 50 years, and as work gets underway we can be confident it will remain a popular destination for the people of Grimsby into the future.
“We look forward to sharing progress as the works continue, and want to reassure our customers that it will be business as usual throughout the development phase.”
North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We promised to get the main work started early in 2025, and that’s what’s happening. We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town.
“Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. 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.”
Following initial works within Top Town Market last week as soon as it closed, the focus now is to complete an internal strip out of the building, including mechanical and electrical fittings as well as asbestos removal.
This will be followed with the demolition of the market building in the summer. The external demolition of the former BHS building will start in early March. The hoardings are up to make sure that there’s a safe working environment for all those on site.
Hoardings will be put up in Victoria Street, from Devonshire House to the former House of Fraser building, signalling the start of the main works. Flottergate Mall entrance to Freshney Place has also been closed off.
The main entrances to Freshney Place at Riverhead Square and Brewery Street remain open as normal. Additionally, the market roof car park is to be closed off from Monday 17 February.
