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.
Read more: Grimsby promised a 'different cinema for a different audience' as leisure consultation opens
Council leader Philip Jackson, who also heads up the regeneration portfolio, said: “In buying the centre we have sent out a clear signal that we want to be a catalyst for change across the whole of the town centre, and we were certainly aware of the uncertain future of some of our empty buildings, including the large and vacant space that was House of Fraser.
“We want to influence what we can directly as soon as possible, making sure the land and buildings that we own are developed. But we want and need private landlords and businesses to come along with us. To that end, we are and will be working with partners to examine opportunities. These include looking at different ways of using empty space, which are alternatives to retail – reflecting the changing face of our town centres.”
A five-screen cinema, more eating out and improved public realm space are the highlights of the current plan, being put to the public at present, with a proposal also showing a 10-lane bowling alley.
Residents have been discussing plans with council and regeneration officials this past week, at public sessions. Proposals are on display in a unit in Market Square, with it open from 10am and 3pm on Thursday and Saturday.
The council said the main issues highlighted by visitors included the leisure use of the area, parking once the improvements have been made, and the design, look and feel of the planned new buildings.
Also accessed via an online portal, the consultation ends on Sunday.
NELC has secured significant grant funding for the transformation. As reported, the proposed leisure development will be led by Cleethorpes-headquartered Parkway Entertainment Group coming in as an anchor tenant, adding to its portfolio that includes Beverley, Barnsley and Louth as well as the resort.
It will also feature a remodelled entrance to the centre, which will be lined with units for leisure and eateries, and an entrance to a new and transformed Market Hall - with the former BHS to be overhauled.
Read next:
Freshney Place's proposed new look unveiled as plans firmed up to widen Grimsby town centre appeal
MKM to open second Home showroom in Grimsby
Wykeland Group to complete Hull tech campus with net zero building
£8m funding secured to fix up vital A180 Grimsby road bridges
All your Humber business news in one place - bookmark it now
