North East Lincolnshire Council is inviting residents, visitors and businesses to have their say on the next phase of ambitious plans to revitalise Grimsby Town Centre.
In 2020, the Council published its Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan – a vision shaped by local people and key partners. Since then, the plan has helped secure millions of pounds in investment to improve the town centre and create spaces that are more vibrant, welcoming and accessible.
Last week Grimsby officially entered the running for UK Town of Culture 2028, building on major investment in culture in North East Lincolnshire in recent years, most recently seeing the opening of the spectacular new Horizon Youth Zone in the restored Grade II listed West Haven Maltings and Migar House. Horizon will be working alongside NELC in developing the Town of Culture bid.
In 2026, the Council is sharing progress on developments right across the town centre and asking the community to help guide what happens next. The current Masterplan runs until 2030 and the next stage will take transformation through to 2040.
An interactive online space has been launched, allowing people to explore how they currently use the town centre, how they travel around it, and what they would like to see in the future. Short questions appear throughout the site, along with a survey to complete at the end.
Feedback gathered will help the Council understand local priorities and strengthen future funding bids and investment opportunities.
What’s already been delivered
Significant progress has been made across the town centre, including:
- Freshney Place – Major plans are underway to deliver a new cinema, food hall and revitalised market, building on the success of the £10m Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which is bringing more people into town and easing pressure on hospitals.
- St James’ Square – The Hive has been upgraded into a modern business hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Outside, the Square has been transformed with new planting, lighting, street furniture and bespoke paving.
- Horizon Youth Zone – Now open in the restored Grade II listed West Haven Maltings and Migar House, providing a safe, inspiring and fully-modernised space for young people to meet, socialise and learn new skills, while preserving heritage.
- Riverhead Square – Major improvements to the Square and bridge have created a safer, more accessible space for events and day‑to‑day use. The newly opened CARE community hub has brought a welcoming, community‑focused presence to the town centre.
- Alexandra Dock – Work has started on 120 new waterfront homes by Keepmoat, bringing high‑quality, affordable housing into the town centre.
- Transport Hub – With demolition complete and site clearance underway, the project will deliver a central, green, multi‑functional transport interchange with direct links to the station, Abbey Walk car park and surrounding retail and business areas, plus space for seating, toilets, a small outdoor coffee stall and an indoor café
Residents can share their views on the new Masterplan online until Monday 6 April 2026, and are also invited to speak to the team in person at a series of engagement events across the town:
- 13 March, 10am–2pm – Sainsbury’s, Corporation Road, Grimsby
- 20 March, 10am–3pm – Freshney Place Shopping Centre
- 21 March, 10am–3pm – Grimsby Minster
- 24 March, 10am–2pm – Centre4, Wootton Road, Grimsby
As part of this next phase, the Council is asking for views on how best to connect and enhance three distinct areas of the town centre:
• Riverhead and Garth Lane – extending the heart of the town towards the water, creating new public and community spaces alongside commercial opportunities near the key transport hub.
• St James and Freshney – strengthening the area’s offer by supporting new businesses, and expanding leisure and entertainment activity, while celebrating its heritage.
• Alexandra Dockside – unlocking the potential of an under‑used waterfront location to provide new homes, green space and community facilities, while improving access to the water for sport, culture and events.
By strengthening the links between these areas, the plans aim to create an inclusive town centre where businesses can grow and jobs can be created; moving around is safe, simple and accessible for all; everyone has access to high‑quality homes, essential services and welcoming spaces; heritage is celebrated and a thriving cultural scene draws people into the town.
Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “We’ve made real progress over the past five years, thanks to the ideas and enthusiasm of local people. Now we want to continue that journey together. Your views are vital in helping us shape a town centre that works for everyone—somewhere to live, work, visit and enjoy.”
To take part in the consultation and explore the interactive online space, visit: https://my.engaged.space/welovegrimsby
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