THE £6 million transformation that "will get the heart of Grimsby well and truly beating again" will begin in just two months' time.
Birse Civils has today been unveiled as the main contractor for the ambitious project – one of the largest schemes the town has seen since the original construction of Freshney Place shopping centre.
The project aims to encourage economic growth, boost green transport and kick-start regeneration in and around the town centre.
Work on two major elements of the scheme will begin in May – a redevelopment of Riverhead Square, including a reconfiguration of the existing bus station and expansion of Freshney Place Shopping Centre, and a revamp of Station Approach, complete with a cycle hub and cycle path connecting train and bus stations.
As announced last year, the Government has awarded £4.3 million from its Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), and North East Lincolnshire Council has contributed an additional £850,000 to the scheme.
With contributions from other partner organisations, the value of the project is more than £6 million.
Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "I am delighted the respected and well-known engineering company Birse Civils has been awarded the main contract for this project.
"With their expertise on the ground, Riverhead Square and Station Approach will be developed over the next few years to encourage investment, create new jobs and improve access to public transport.
"Other elements of the scheme will promote health and wellbeing through increased opportunities for walking and cycling. And help will be given to those who have difficulties finding or keeping a job because of problems travelling to work.
"This project will get the heart of Grimsby well and truly beating again."
Tim Bowers, project manager for Birse Civils, said: "We are looking forward to starting this scheme for North East Lincolnshire Council. We have 10 years' experience of working on public realm projects and recently completed the City Park project in Bradford.
"We recognise that enhancing the public realm acts as a catalyst for regeneration and we will be bringing our skill and expertise to deliver this project for the community of Grimsby."
COMBINING an expansion of Grimsby's main shopping centre, and a revamp of the town's bus station, the redevelopment of Riverhead Square aims to create new jobs as well as improving the passenger experience for shoppers.
Discussions are continuing with a major high street retailer that is keen to move into an expanded Freshney Place as part of a 45,000 sq ft extension onto the site of the existing bus station.
In addition to the new retailer, the extension will also accommodate a further eight retail units, creating more than 200 jobs.
The bus station will be redesigned around the new development, with bus stops being relocated onto nearby Victoria Street, Town Hall Street and New Street.
The expanded shopping centre will also feature a staffed "super-stop", with toilets, a café and real-time passenger information.
Jason Longhurst, head of development at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Work is also progressing with the owners of Freshney Place to deliver a major new development in Riverhead Square.
"This scheme would increase investor confidence, kick-start a new wave of regeneration in the town and create a substantial number of new jobs for local people.
"The bus station will be redesigned to create a high-quality environment with new bus stops, shelters and 'real-time' travel information.
Editor's Comment THE Riverhead Square in central Grimsby is a completely wasted space. If developed properly, and with thought, it could be a real focal point for the whole town – external exhibitions, outdoor plays, fun fairs, demonstrations and live theatre, all such things could transform it into a space where people want to go, are attracted to and stay longer into the evening. To achieve that a number of things need to happen. Whether people like it or not, a different location is needed for the buses – where they are sited now simply carves up a really good space and allows no room for development or use. Then, we need the river cleaning up and keeping clean – an attractive water area, not the green mess it turns into! The buildings alongside then need filling with attractions that will see past problems eliminated. Let's hope today's news is the start of that rebirth. *What do you think of the plans, good or bad? Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor
