THE transformation of Grimsby Town Centre into a central hub where people and families can visit and enjoy has received a £20-million funding boost from Government.
Grimsby is one of a number of town centres across the country that were successful in securing this new ‘Long-Term Plan’ money, which was announced over the weekend.
Delighted by the news, North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson (pictured discussing the new Freshney Place scheme) said how just two weeks ago he had attended the launch of a new ‘Grimsby Town Centre 2025 Group’.
With a mantra to ‘Be Part of the Positive’, the group of people from retail and business, want to focus on creating opportunities to deliver lasting and positive change for the town centre – in line with what the ‘Long-Plan’ money should be invested in.
Cllr Jackson said: “This is hugely welcome news and we will now be able to build on the good work that is already taking place to look at improving our urban heartlands in the decade ahead.
“We have been working extremely hard with partners across both the public and private sector to build relationships especially within Grimsby Town Centre so we can grow the area in the right way. This work has been running alongside our plans to regenerate and transform our place, as has been well reported.
“For our plans to succeed and be sustainable it is vital that we look at ensuring people can feel and be safe and this announcement will allow us to accelerate schemes and actions to help us realise that ambition as the physical redevelopment takes place.”
The £20-million to be spread across 10 years, would now ensure the financial means were there to really make a difference, added Cllr Jackson. He explained that the authority was now awaiting further details on the administration of the funds before working with its partners to plan its most effective use, in line with the regeneration plans taking place.
Before the announcement of this £20-million, schemes to improve town centre safety and security were already being planned. At the Grimsby Town Centre 2025 Group it was explained how the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting the opening of a new Youth Hub on Osborne Street that will operate until the Horizon Youth Centre opens, as well as improving business security, graffiti removal and supporting the evening economy and the violence against women and girls’ agenda.
There is also Projekt Renewable now almost ready to open at Fisherman’s Wharf, the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone which is scheduled to complete in 2025, and the new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre in Freshney Place, all of which will attract more people and families into the town centre.
Meanwhile the new Freshney Place Leisure and Market Hall Scheme is progressing with major works due to start early next year. Supported by £20-million Government funding – this time from LUF (Levelling Up Funding) – this will see the western end of the council-owned shopping centre transformed with a new cinema, market hall, and leisure, community and family attractions and space.
Announcing the ‘Long-Term Plan’ awards over weekend, the Government’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove MP explained his vision to see community leaders, businesspeople and local bodies work together to forge their town centres’ futures.
Cllr Jackson added: “It is clear that, as a council and working with partners we are going in the right direction – this funding award is a reflection of that. Our vision is to build a stronger economy and stronger communities and we can do that by talking, listening and then winning the necessary funding to make a change. This is now happening, and I look forward to seeing just what we can achieve together.”
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