A group of Grimsby school children were left delighted after being given an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Freshney Place leisure scheme.
The class, from Littlecoates Primary School, witnessed the demolition process of areas such as the former BHS which will be replaced by a state-of-the-art, vibrant food hall and attached complementary market.
Under the £50 million development plans, Grimsby town centre will be reimagined to provide a more sustainable, safe and welcoming environment for visitors and residents.
With a new cinema, food and beverage outlets and state-of-the-art market, there will be an abundance of new amenities for the public to enjoy in the town centre.
“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,” said North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Philip Jackson.
The scheme will also secure the long-term future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 jobs it currently supports.
Toured around the site by GMI Project Manager Dave Fish, the group were taught about the importance of every job that goes into creating these developments as well as being shown some of the equipment used on the project.
Organising the visit was GMI’s Responsible Business Partner, Brendan Tannam. As part of their projects, GMI work with local communities to ensure they leave a lasting positive impact on the area.
He said: “We do all sorts like giving children a site tour, taking on T-Level students and supporting other local projects, like the upcoming Horizon Youth Zone.
“It’s so important to offer these opportunities to local people when we’re right on the doorstep; it allows them to play a part in their own regeneration.”
For the children attending the site, it was an opportunity to get a glimpse at the Grimsby of their future.
Betsy, a student at Littlecoates Primary, is excited at the possibilities of regenerating Grimsby. “I’m really excited to see a new cinema in Grimsby, I think it’ll be great.”
She added: “I’ve really enjoyed the day and my favourite part was seeing the big excavator taking down part of the building.”
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, was thrilled to see the younger generation involved in Grimsby’s redevelopment.
“We are on an ambitious journey for North East Lincolnshire, with major public investment, most of it Government grant funding, across the borough.
“The repurposing of the western end of Freshney Place is the largest regeneration scheme in the area and, along with the other projects around the town centre, is set to transform the centre of Grimsby, attracting in more people for a range of exciting, new activities.”
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