Retail and leisure expansions are particularly popular with UK developers at present, due to the upswing in consumer confidence and the number of retailers and leisure firms looking to expand. The latest to be announced is a multi-million pound project geared towards rejuvenating Grimsby town centre.
The scheme will see a multiplex cinema and numerous units for food outlets added to the existing retail scheme in Riverhead Square, known as Freshney Place shopping centre. Under the plans, Freshney Place owners F&C REIT will receive a parcel of land from North East Lincolnshire Council assuming the cabinet grants its permission during a meeting on the 31st of March.
Centre director at Freshney Place, Amanda Austin, revealed a more in depth view of the project at a briefing between the shopping centre’s directors and the local authority on Monday.
She said; “This development is a very important step forward in the regeneration of Freshney Place, Grimsby town centre and North East Lincolnshire and will reinforce the shopping centre as the region’s premium shopping and leisure destination.
“It is planned that the new leisure block will feature a multiplex cinema and a variety of food/beverage facilities which will significantly add to the consumer experience at Freshney Place and an offer we are sure our loyal customers will benefit from and enjoy.
“Negotiations with individual retailers cannot be confirmed at this stage, due to the sensitive nature of these conversations, but we will endeavour to keep shoppers updated when more information has been confirmed.”
The scheme will work in association with the local council’s £6 million rejuvenation of Grimsby town centre, which primarily focuses upon making key districts within the area more accessible. Part of this aim has involved demolishing the old bus station and creating a new facility known as a “super-stop”, which allows a higher number of buses to gain entry to the station at once and therefore paves the way for an increase in consumer footfall to Freshney Place.
Although work is still ongoing in the town centre North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Councillor Chris Shaw, believes that the two projects will be able to work together to raise the prestige of Freshney Place and thus provide a boost to the local economy.
He says; “Working with our partners in the town centre is delivering results for the wider borough.
“Releasing this land will act as a catalyst to stimulate more investment, generate economic growth and ultimately create more jobs.
“It will help us fulfil our ambitions to make the most of the town centre and create an environment for residents and visitors to enjoy and business to flourish.”
While forecasts regarding job creation are yet to be revealed, the development is expected to create numerous positions in the hospitality and leisure sectors. Hopefully the cabinet’s permission will be granted next week and the project will be able to get underway as soon as possible.
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