First look at Freshney Place's new Community Diagnostic Centre, set for 120,000 appointments every year

Due to open for appointments later this month in Freshney Place, it is set to offer around 120,000 appointments every year – cutting waiting times for tests in a convenient town centre location.

CDCs are being pioneered across the country to provide diagnostic tests, such as scans and health checks - reducing pressures on hospitals across the country. Healthcare providers from across this region have been involved in the scoping and development of CDCs both in Grimsby and Scunthorpe – ensuring that they prioritise the pathways that will benefit local communities the most, based on need.

Essentially too, for Grimsby Town Centre, the new £10-million CDC will increase footfall and add to the diversification of Freshney Place into a centre that is a hub for the community – complementing the retail offer.

This new CDC is opening as work progresses on the £50million Freshney Place Leisure, Food Hall and Market Scheme at the western end of the centre – offering a new cinema, and leisure outlets, along with the new food hall and market offer. A temporary market will be opening near the Riverhead Square entrance to the centre later this year.

There is also the new E-Factor Business Hub in St James’ House, the OnSide Horizon Youth Zone at Alexandra Dock and the plans for 123 new homes on the neighbouring brownfield site.

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, whose portfolio includes regeneration, said after touring the CDC: “This is an absolutely fantastic facility for the residents of North East Lincolnshire. This will not only provide facilities for 120,000 appointments a year but will also see increased footfall into Freshney Place.

“This is all part of the re-purposing of the town centre, and I am delighted to see this nearing completion for an opening later this month.”

Freshney Place centre director, Amanda Austin, added: “It is a great thing for the residents of North East Lincolnshire. Freshney Place has been at the heart of the community here for decades, and this represents how we are moving forward to offer something different for our customers.”