THE long-awaited regeneration of Freeman Street is due to get under way in June.
The first phase of the ambitious project to breathe new life into Grimsby's one-time premier shopping street is currently out to tender.
Council bosses hope to appoint a contractor in May, with work due to begin the following month.
The first phase of the scheme will see a number of "public realm" improvements to the Freeman Street area.
They include:
Resurfacing of Garibaldi Street car park and reopening of the second entrance/exit.
Resurfacing of the road and footpaths between Nelson Street and Hainton Square and reintroduction of the right turn into Wellington Street.
Decluttering through the removal of existing signage, barriers and lighting.
New street lighting with attached banners at key locations.
The creation of an additional eight on-street parking spaces.
As previously reported, future phases of the project will see:
A new housing development and green space between Freeman Street and Thesiger Street.
New residential developments and green space between Thesiger Street and Albion Street.
The creation of new business space, business support infrastructure and improved parking between Freeman Street and the railway line.
The work will complement ongoing private and voluntary sector investment in the area.
The Enrolled Freemen of Grimsby are continuing with their refurbishment of Freeman Street Market and their project to create a business hub for the creative industries.
Meanwhile, the charity Foresight is converting two large-scale buildings to provide a leisure facility and a "one-stop" access point for a range of services.
According to council bosses, some minor changes were made to the first phase after consultation with local businesses and market traders. It was proposed to remove eight on-street parking spaces opposite the market hall, but that number has now been reduced to two.
Speaking at a meeting of the council's regeneration scrutiny panel, head of development Jason Longhurst said: "This is critical investment at a critical time. If we do nothing Freeman Street will decline. This is about supporting businesses and regeneration in a key part of the town."
