By Transformation of St James’ House into new business hub is one step closer
The transformation of St James’ House is one step closer after North East Lincolnshire Council approved an application to renovate the redundant building into a business hub, it has been revealed.
Local business E-Factor aims to secure £1.5 million funding from the Towns Fund money, which has been allocated to North East Lincolnshire Council for improvements within Grimsby town centre.
The remaining money to fund the new business hub will be supplemented by E-Factor private investment, according to NELC.
This comes after the newly-renovated St James’ Square was opened to the public in recent months, with the ‘Murmuration‘ artwork by local artist Annabel McCourt unveiled just last week.
The new business hub in St James’ House is set to provide business premises for a range of local businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as space for small business events, exhibitions and workshops.
North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “St James’ House has been run down for many years, and with the success of the Wilkin Chapman building on Cartergate and the redevelopment of St James’ Square, a key heritage asset in the town, the next step was to deal with the redundant building in a way that can increase footfall in the town centre and provide benefit to other local businesses.
“I’m delighted E-Factor has put forward these proposals, which bring a new dimension to St James’ Square, a fantastic heritage asset in our town centre. We are extremely pleased to support this scheme.”
Mark Webb, Managing Director of E-Factor, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our investment proposals have been received so well. We recognise that this building has been empty and deteriorating for over a decade and with our investment, supported by the Towns Fund, we are confident we can bring it back to life.
“As an independent ‘not for profit’ ltd company, dedicated to supporting the huge contribution local business owners make to this town, E-Factor will once again be providing wrap around business support, easy in easy out terms and all the guidance we can give to help create and grow successful local businesses.
“The more people who do business in the town centre, the better it will be for shops and restaurants also located there.”
