Steel signing marks significant progress on Freshney Place development

A construction milestone was achieved last week on the £50 million redevelopment of Freshney Place shopping centre in Grimsby.

Representatives from North-East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), construction partners GMI and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the start of the structural steel frame work. The signing ceremony marked the progress made on site to date, and the collaborative efforts of all the partners involved.

Led by North-East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), and backed by government funding, Freshney Place’s development is part of a broader strategy to regenerate Grimsby town centre. With its central location, the shopping centre is pivotal to this vision and will be transformed into a vibrant, multi-use destination combining retail, leisure, healthcare and community space.

“It's an exciting time for the town. Grimsby is transforming rapidly and Freshney Place is at the heart of it,” said Philip Jackson, Leader of the Council. “Along with the other changes we are delivering in Grimsby, this project will help to redefine how people use our town centre by blending retail with leisure, entertainment and services.”

The project is expected to diversify town centre footfall through a broad mix of uses, appealing to a wide range of ages and demographics. Securing a pre-let for a multi-screen cinema Parkway, alongside additional leisure tenants, will help establish a strong day-to-night economy for the town.

Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “This steel signing is a key milestone and a visible sign of the momentum on site. Seeing the cinema framework take shape brings the ambition of this scheme to life and demonstrates the scale of what’s being delivered.

“We’re proud to be working with North East Lincolnshire Council, Queensberry and Freshney Place on a project that will have a lasting impact on the town centre, creating new opportunities and a destination the community can be proud of.”

Elliot Andrews, Centre Manager at Freshney Place said: “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 - and one which meets modern-day requirements.”

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.