New plans have been unveiled which could see St James House in Grimsby turned into shops,offices and leisure space
Work could begin by the start of next year, with planning approval
St James House could be converted into office, retail and leisure space in the latest step to regenerate the town centre.
Exciting plans for the building have been drawn to utilise ÂŁ1.5million of Towns Fund.
The arches would be closed to become shops, cafés and workshops under the proposal, making pedestrians in the area feel safer.
If the funds are released, the building will be acquired by Grimsby social enterprise E-Factor to make it a thriving part of the town centre once more.
It is hoped that small businesses which are attracted to the site would help to rejuvenate to the town centre.
Work could begin by the start of next year, with planning approval.
Councillors have welcomed the plans at a meeting of the Economy Scrutiny panel.
North East Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Philip Jackson said:
“This is one of the iconic town centre buildings that people will judge our regeneration progress on.
“We have had interest in taking on St James House, which will make it a very attractive town centre offering.
“There is a lot of potential for small businesses to move into the town centre.
“Healthy high streets around the country all tend to have small, niche local traders and businesses which increases footfall. This is a great opportunity to bring them into Grimsby town centre.”
The ground floor would be devoted for leisure use, while the upper floors would be available for offices.
Councillor Dawkins described the potential acquisition by E-Factor as “a massive boost to the town centre.”
Councillor Furneaux also praised the closing of the arches, saying “there has been an issue with anti-social behaviour there for a while”.
The St James House designs are one of six currently being drawn up for utilise Grimsby’s Towns Fund.
A council officer commented: “As a result of having an out-of-town hospital and college, it has been more difficult to bring renewal to the town centre – this will be a real push in that direction.”
Committee members were assured that there was sufficient demand from local businesses for the space.
Funds will be released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities once the plans have been signed off by Cabinet.
The committee report states: “The successful Cartergate office development has highlighted the potential for new town centre commercial accommodation and St James House offers this opportunity, including the potential redevelopment of the ground floor which will attract a diverse range of uses.”
The building’s regeneration would complete the revamp of St James’ Square, which reopened in May after a £1.8million makeover.