£50m construction starts on Freshney Place shopping centre redevelopment in Grimsby
New multi-use destination will include a cinema, food hall, retail, and community spaces.
Last updated 28th Nov 2025
Construction has begun on the £50 million redevelopment of Freshney Place shopping centre in Grimsby, marking a significant milestone for the project led by North-East Lincolnshire Council (NELC).
Funded by the government, this transformation of the shopping centre is set to create a vibrant space featuring retail, leisure, healthcare, and community facilities. Located at the heart of Grimsby, Freshney Place’s redevelopment is part of NELC’s broader strategy to revitalise the town and support long-term economic and social renewal.
Significant progress has already been made, with site clearance including the demolition of the former Market Hall, Flottergate Mall units, and the upper floors of the former BHS building completed earlier this year. Construction work now formally begins on delivering a multi-use destination that will include a 5-screen cinema, leisure facilities, food and beverage outlets, and a new food hall and market by 2027.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North-East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction; it marks a renewed sense of purpose and pride in our town.
“The project is on time and on budget. Together with our partners, we are delivering a destination that is about more than shopping but also leisure and entertainment. It’s also going to be an important contributor to our local economy creating local jobs and opportunities.”
The redevelopment has sparked renewed confidence in the area, attracting interest from new operators and stakeholders. Richard Parkes, Managing Director of Parkway Cinemas, shared his enthusiasm for the project’s progress: “It can feel like there’s been lots of talk and trailers for this, so it’s brilliant to see the demolition begin to come to an end, and something real being built too. We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, and can’t wait to get cracking to bring our plans to life.”
GMI Construction Group’s Yorkshire Regional Director, Ed Weston, added: “The start of construction is a significant milestone for all involved, and we are extremely proud to be supporting the council on the delivery of a scheme that will unlock new opportunities and create long-term and far-reaching change for the area by boosting the economy, creating jobs, and creating an attractive and vibrant destination.”
Freshney Place’s redevelopment also includes an NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which opened last year and is expected to draw tens of thousands of visits annually.
This project is central to the council’s vision for Grimsby, alongside other regeneration efforts such as planning approval for the Alexandra Dock Housing scheme to deliver 120 homes and the upcoming Horizon Youth Zone, which will provide young people with activities and support.
Paul Sargent, Founder of Queensberry, development manager and asset manager for Freshney Place, said: “This project is as much about rebuilding confidence in Grimsby as it is about creating a new urban space for the community. By creating a modern, mixed-use town centre that blends housing, shopping, leisure, and essential services like healthcare and education, we’re meeting real community needs while encouraging inward investment.
“The redevelopment of Freshney Place will be a catalyst for lasting change not just physically, but emotionally and economically.”
Freshney Place has already secured a pre-let partnership with Parkway Cinemas for a multi-screen cinema within the development.