North East Lincolnshire Council has underlined its intention to work with the private sector to ensure empty town centre buildings are brought back to use in its role as Freshney Place’s new owner.
A prime example of the former House of Fraser store has been given as the consultation into the multi-million pound plans to transform the western wing with leisure venues continues. The 64,000 sq ft vacant department store does not form part of the shopping centre footprint, with the local authority buying it out of administration earlier this year, but the work embraces it.
The local authority said it was aware of the likelihood it would remain vacant, having been empty since Mike Ashley's short lease-free stay of execution was terminated in 2019. Plans for a concession concept have bitten the dust as the start-up behind it, 15-17 Ltd, is in the process of being wound up, with other outlets in Scotland and Wales closing.
