A major construction milestone has been celebrated during the £50 million Freshney Place redevelopment in Grimsby. Representatives from North East Lincolnshire Council, construction partners GMI, and local dignitaries gathered for a signing ceremony to mark the start of the structural steel framework, according to the council. The Freshney Place shopping centre transformation is backed by government funding and forms part of a broader strategy to regenerate the town centre.
The ceremony recognized the progress made on site and the collaborative efforts of all partners involved in the ambitious project. Led by North East Lincolnshire Council, the redevelopment aims to transform the centrally located shopping centre into a vibrant, multi-use destination. The new development will combine retail, leisure, healthcare, and community spaces to meet evolving consumer needs.
Freshney Place Redevelopment Creates Mixed-Use Destination
Philip Jackson, leader of the council, emphasized the significance of the project for the town. “It’s an exciting time for the town,” Jackson said. “Grimsby is transforming rapidly and Freshney Place is at the heart of it.” He added that the project will help redefine how people use the town centre by blending retail with leisure, entertainment, and services.
The shopping centre redevelopment is expected to diversify town centre footfall through a broad mix of uses appealing to various ages and demographics. Additionally, the project has secured a pre-let agreement for a multi-screen Parkway cinema alongside additional leisure tenants. These entertainment venues will help establish a strong day-to-night economy for Grimsby, according to council officials.
Construction Partners Mark Steel Framework Progress
Ed Weston, regional director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, highlighted the importance of the steel signing milestone. “This steel signing is a key milestone and a visible sign of the momentum on site,” Weston stated. He noted that seeing the cinema framework take shape brings the ambition of the scheme to life and demonstrates the scale of what is being delivered.
Meanwhile, Weston expressed pride in working with North East Lincolnshire Council, Queensberry, and Freshney Place on a project that will have a lasting impact. The construction work is creating new opportunities and delivering a destination the community can be proud of, he said. The visible progress on the structural framework marks a significant step forward in the town centre regeneration efforts.
Community Benefits and Modern Requirements
Elliot Andrews, centre manager at Freshney Place, emphasized how the redevelopment addresses changing consumer preferences. “As consumer needs evolve beyond traditional retail, the centre’s blend of shops, essential services and leisure will ensure Freshney Place remains a firm favourite,” Andrews said. The transformation is designed to meet modern-day requirements while maintaining the centre’s position as a community hub.
In contrast to traditional shopping centre models, the Freshney Place redevelopment embraces a mixed-use approach. The inclusion of healthcare facilities and community spaces alongside retail and entertainment options reflects a comprehensive vision for town centre regeneration. However, specific timelines for individual elements of the development have not been confirmed by authorities.
The project represents a significant investment in Grimsby’s future and forms part of wider regeneration initiatives across the town centre. The government-backed funding demonstrates confidence in the vision for transforming the shopping centre into a contemporary destination. The completion timeline and specific opening dates for the various components of the Freshney Place redevelopment remain to be announced by North East Lincolnshire Council and project partners.
