Construction has started this week on the £50 million redevelopment of Freshney Place shopping centre in Grimsby, marking a major milestone for the project.
Led by North-East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), and backed by government funding, the development will transform the shopping centre into a vibrant, multi-use destination combining retail, leisure, healthcare and community space. Located in the heart of the town, Freshney Place’s investment is an important part of a broader strategy to revitalise the area and spark long-term economic and social renewal.
Since the start of the year, work has been ongoing to clear the site, with demolition of the former Market Hall, units on Flottergate Mall and the upper floors of the former BHS building completed in the summer.
This week marks the formal start of the construction period for the development, which in 2027 will deliver a new 5-screen cinema, leisure, food and beverage outlets as well as a food hall and market.
Cllr Councillor Philip Jackson commented: “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 was purchased by the NELC in 2022 and is a cornerstone of its long-term regeneration vision. Several additional projects are also under way including the Alexandra Dock Housing scheme, which has just received planning permission to build 120 new homes in the heart of the town as well as the new Horizon Youth Zone, which is due to open soon, giving thousands of young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.
Richard Parkes, MD 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, said: “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.”
Since the redevelopment plans were announced it has inspired new confidence in the area with interest from new operators continuing to grow.
Paul Sargent, Founder of Queensberry, development manager and asset manager for Freshney Place said: “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.”
Freshney Place has already secured a pre let for a multi-screen cinema with local operator Parkway in the new development. Last year an NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) also opened in the shopping centre which is expected to attract tens of thousands of visits annually. The project is expected to diversify town centre footfall, attract greater investment and support local community needs.
To find out more about the scheme and other work in the town centre, visit our project pages: www.nelincs.gov.uk/building-our-future.
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