Major Freshney Place overhaul to start ‘next year’
The council is moving ahead with its big plans, as they are set to start next year, they now want to hear residents ‘issues and ideas’.
The somewhat controversial plans, would see a complete overall of Freshney Place, with amenities and a new cinema, including the Riverhead Square development.
On their website the council states that the new design should appeal to all ages in the hopes of “giving us a reason to come back into our town centre.”
One major change to the shopping centre would be to the western end, with a new market hall at the centre of the scheme alongside new street food operators and entertainment space.
The project will aim to deliver a brand new five-screen local cinema, operated by Parkway Entertainment Ltd, complemented by family-focused leisure, restaurants and cafes.
However, despite the new images being released and the council taking consultation, many locals are dubious that the scheme will actually come to fruition.
One such local said: “Never going to happen. Loads of plans for the old Ice house but now close to collapsing. Plans for the land where the multi storey flats where.. still nothing done.”
‘People are invited to Grimsby Auditorium on Tuesday, 22 November between 5pm and 7pm. On a first come, first served basis they can meet the leading councillors to share any issues or ideas they have about North East Lincolnshire.’ NELC said.
Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “As with the other sessions, this won’t be any sort of decision-making forum, but we’re keen to make sure we’re accessible to the public and we hope people will continue to take the opportunity to come and discuss some of the key things either already going on or planned for the area.”
Cllr Jackson also stressed it would not impact on ward surgeries currently held by councillors.
“Ward surgeries are very important for allowing residents to talk directly and raise specific issues with their local councillor to take up on their behalf and are a key part of a councillor’s work,’’ he said.
“These listening events are more of an opportunity for the public to come and talk to us about borough-wide matters – and also share some of their ideas with us if they want – so we can continue to work with them to realise the ambition and aspirations we all have for North East Lincolnshire.’’
Cabinet members attending the meeting include Cllr Philip Jackson, Cllr Stan Shreeve, Cllr Stephen Harness, Cllr Margaret Cracknell,Cllr Stewart Swinburn: Cllr Tom Furneaux, and Cllr Ron Shepherd.
Contact Gi Lifestyle
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk