Scunthorpe's high street could get huge makeover
A planning application's set to be submitted within weeks
This is the latest look at the plans for the former Scunthorpe market building which could breath fresh life into the high street.
The demolished building will be replaced with student accommodation, business space and a licensed café.
These pictures from renowned architects AHR give a glimpse into the ÂŁ10.7million redevelopment which it is hoped will kickstart regeneration in the area.
It will create space for people to live, work and relax with 40 high-end rooms for students and space for both existing and upcoming businesses.
A planning application is set to be submitted within weeks.
If approved, work is likely to start as soon as January next year.
The complex will take up the southern half of the former market’s footprint, and could act as a catalyst for further town centre development.
A communal garden will also be created to connect to the urban park currently being developed in Church Square and Library Square.
The pedestrian area past Scunthorpe Central will also be widened to around 10 metres.
The finished building will include a 1,350 square metre enterprise and innovation hub complete with business space, workshops, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, business development and networking areas.
Cash for the redevelopment was secured from the government’s Future High Streets fund last year.
North Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Rob Waltham, said:
“The Government is taking Scunthorpe really seriously. The last year or so has been tough for lots of people for lots of reasons, not least of course the high street. A sector which was struggling anyway has been hit hard by the pandemic even with a great deal of Government support.
“We know we must build back better, and this is the latest development as we deliver a new vision for the town centre. The plans have been developed across a number of years and through the pandemic we didn’t stop, we raised the ambition, and the Government has backed this with hard cash.
“The development here will radically reshape this area of Scunthorpe, attracting new people for new reasons into the heart of the town.”
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe and vice-chair of the Towns Fund Board, said:
“Developing the town centre in Scunthorpe is a priority for residents across the area and with this latest batch of Government cash we will start to see real change.
“We have a massive opportunity to make generational change here, creating a place where people want to be, either for work or for socialising – if we can create more reasons for people to be in the town then the retail environment will grow and develop too.”