DISCUSSIONS about bringing a major retailer to Grimsby town centre are continuing.
Talks are ongoing between the unnamed retailer, council bosses and Freshney Place over the project.
The planned new store would comprise a 45,000 square foot extension to the shopping centre, which will be accommodated by moving the bus station away from its current location.
The extension will boast a further eight retail units and it is hoped create around 200 new jobs.
Damien Jaines-White, North East Lincolnshire Council's economic development manager, said: "We were having ongoing discussions with Grosvenor who were part of the consortium that owned Freshney Place.
"The ownership of Freshney Place has recently changed and we have already met with the new owners to understand what their goals and aspirations are.
"We remain in touch with the retailer and the new owners who need a little bit of time to assess their new asset. Our ambition remains to expand the retail offer within the town centre, and we will continue to work to achieve that."
Amanda Austin, pictured, centre director of Freshney Place, said: "The shopping centre has played a vital role in serving local people since it was opened and we look forward to working with local business organisations to ensure that we deliver the best possible shopping and leisure experience to our customers.
"Freshney Place is a successful scheme that provides local employment for more than 1,000 people and is a major visitor attraction for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire.
"The proposed move of the bus station can only be good news in the further development of the town centre.
"The new owner of Freshney Place, F&C REIT, is confident that it can use its expertise to strengthen the centre's position as the retail centrepiece of the region and the landlord will be engaging very closely with North East Lincolnshire Council to do so."
