£20m boost to Grimsby Town centre transformation announced by Government

The transformation of Grimsby Town Centre into a central hub where people and families can visit and enjoy has received a £20m 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. North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson 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 commented: “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 £20m 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 £20m, schemes to improve town centre safety and security were already being planned. For example, the new Freshney Place Leisure and Market Hall Scheme is progressing with major works due to start early next year.

Supported by £20m 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.

Cllr Jackson concluded: “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.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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