The go-ahead has been given for a £25 million funding bid to transform part of Grimsby town centre.
Councillors have backed the joint submission worked up by the local authority, North East Lincolnshire Council, and the owner of Freshney Place shopping centre, including a cinema and new retail and leisure offers.
The bid goes into the Future High Streets Fund.
A redeveloped market hall and new public square are also part of the plan, with the vision to “put the heart and soul back into Grimsby town centre,” further developing an evening economy by increasing leisure activities.
The location proposed comprises the western side of Victoria Street, incorporating the former BHS building, Flottergate Mall, Grimsby Top Town Market and Old Market Square. Having considered the emerging Grimsby masterplan work, the built environment, the current uses and redundant buildings, this site was selected as the prime area for regeneration as required by the Government fund.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Pulling this bid together is a monumental piece of work, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for the work put in so far. The vision for the town centre is really exciting, and really complements the work on the ground at the moment at St James’ Square and Garth Lane.
“We want to take everyone with us as we progress this plan. Change is not just desirable to recreate our town centre, it is vital and this is Grimsby’s biggest and best chance to look at what is really required to create a new future and support wider local economic recovery. We are also grateful for the support of the Greater Grimsby Board in putting this bid forward.”
The final bid will be submitted to Government at the end of July, and successful bids are expected to be announced in the autumn.
It comes as views are sought on the wider development as the next stage of the Town Deal gathers pace, with a separate £25 million fund ‘ring-fenced’ for projects.
To succeed, the Masterplan and Investment Plan needs public buy-in. Views will help shape a vision for town centre transformation.
From today (July 15) until July 22, people are asked to go online and give their thoughts. Respondents will be entered into a draw with four £25 Top Town Market shopping vouchers to be won.
“There is now a real momentum around peoples’ desire for change and a determination to see the successful completion of our on-going projects whilst we seek to win new money for the transformation of our town centre areas,” Cllr Jackson said.
“What we now need is the people of this town to unite with us – get involved, tell us what you think and share your ideas with us,” he added.
The Masterplan focuses on the entire town centre, from Alexandra Dock in the north, to Wellowgate in the south, and from Cartergate in the west to King Edward Street in the east. There are three key areas within this large central stretch that are identified, which are the Riverhead including Garth Lane, St James’ and Alexandra dockside.
