£20m Grimsby leisure development to go to consultation

Consultation for a new £20 million Grimsby leisure development which consists of a nine screen cinema and seven restaurants, will open next week.

Final plans for the project are expected to be submitted by May, with development being completed within 28 months from planning.

The proposed new £20 million scheme is an extension to the existing shopping centre, and will be known as Freshney Place Riverhead.

The development is expected to generate at least 100 construction jobs at any one time, as well as up to 250 long-term jobs, together with initial and long-term investment in the local economy.

Development director Maurice Fitzgerald said: “We have worked for a couple of years in formulating ideas in partnership with the council, and the public consultation is our opportunity to obtain the views of local people before finalising the designs to be submitted in a formal planning application.

“The project will provide both a boost to the evening economy and a quality offer.

“Both the centre owners and proposed tenants have undertaken extensive market research to ensure the proposals meet demand to ensure a successful scheme.

“We are also pleased to announce an innovative initiative to promote with the main contractors where possible, acknowledging contractual and Health & Safety Executive issues, request that they advertise job opportunities and apprenticeships in local employment centres and media.

“We will also encourage the new tenant occupiers to engage local workers wherever possible.”

Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for regeneration, skills and housing at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This development is a very important step forward in the regeneration of Grimsby town centre and North East Lincolnshire, and we’re pleased to see the developers taking the next steps.

“If approved through the planning process, Grimsby town centre will be transformed by the redevelopment of Riverhead.

“It’s a truly exciting time for the borough and this has been brought about through our close working relationship with town centre businesses to develop projects that act as catalysts to attract more investment and create more jobs.

“Private sector confidence in the borough is growing all the time and as a result North East Lincolnshire is becoming a better place to live, work and invest.”