Work has started on site on one of the biggest single investments in Grimsby town centre’s history, the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market. National construction company GMI Construction Group will lead the build of the leisure scheme, having worked on similar projects in other towns and cities across the UK. Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre. Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.” Amanda Austin, Centre Director, Freshney Place, said: “This is a major milestone for Freshney Place and the wider Grimsby town centre. The start of construction marks the beginning of an exciting transformation as we develop a fantastic new offering. “Freshney Place has served the community for nearly 50 years, and as work gets underway we can be confident it will remain a popular destination for the people of Grimsby into the future. “We look forward to sharing progress as the works continue, and want to reassure our customers that it will be business as usual throughout the development phase.” North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We promised to get the main work started early in 2025, and that’s what’s happening. We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town. “Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports” Following initial works within Top Town Market last week as soon as it closed, the focus now is to complete an internal strip out of the building, including mechanical and electrical fittings as well as asbestos removal. This will be followed with the demolition of the market building in the summer. The external demolition of the former BHS building will start in early March. The hoardings are up to make sure that there’s a safe working environment for all those on site. Hoardings will be put up in Victoria Street, from Devonshire House to the former House of Fraser building, signalling the start of the main works. Flottergate Mall entrance to Freshney Place has also been closed off. The main entrances to Freshney Place at Riverhead Square and Brewery Street remain open as normal. Additionally, the market roof car park is due to be closed off from Monday 17 February.

Frasers Group has selected Barnsdales to undertake the property and asset management of Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre. Barnsdales MD Jason Barnsdale said: “With its own transport hub, the Doncaster Interchange, and adjoining railway station, it’s certain that when people come to Doncaster, they come to the Frenchgate Shopping Centre. It’s an honour to be entrusted with the everyday management of the centre and to act as asset managers and joint leasing agents with Rawstron Johnson on behalf of the Frasers Group; we’re determined to help it thrive as a bustling shopping and dining destination. “I’m genuinely delighted that Barnsdales has been chosen to manage this iconic Doncaster shopping centre. Barnsdales is headquartered in the city, working nationally from offices throughout the UK. This is a significant instruction for the Barnsdales property management team.” Barnsdales, established in Doncaster almost 120 years ago and with its HQ less than two miles away from the Frenchgate centre, has offices in Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, Bristol, Cirencester, Manchester, Lincoln, and London. Corinne Mycock, General Manager at Frenchgate, said:“The Frenchgate Shopping Centre is delighted to bring on Barnsdales as property and asset managers and joint letting agents. As they are based in the city, we feel they have a close connection to – and an innate feel for – the place, which is essential. “We’re hopeful that having professionals from a company based in and operating from Doncaster will give us a more hands-on, proactive approach.” Barnsdales’ instruction follows several high-profile wins for the company, including the recent appointment to the property and facilities management of Newton Aycliffe Town Centre, a privately owned 200,000 sq ft shopping outlet consisting of 64 retail units in County Durham.

Plans to transform Bradford’s former retail heart into a new sustainable ‘City Village’ have taken a major step forward with the Government confirming nearly £30m of funding for the scheme from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund. Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, has confirmed £29.5m to support Bradford City Village, which is a major development project to transform key brownfield sites into vibrant residential areas within the city centre. Bradford City Village is set to deliver up to 1,000 new homes (including affordable homes), three new community parks and public spaces, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices. The funding will be used to make improvements to the road network and public spaces, as well as support the demolition of the Oastler and Kirkgate Shopping Centres. The Oastler demolition is set to commence in autumn 2025 and will enable the future regeneration opportunity to come forward. It is anticipated the initial Brownfield Infrastructure and Land funding will also help attract further investment to unlock future phases of the masterplan, which aims to completely transform Bradford city centre. Bradford Council has appointed ECF (formerly The English Cities Fund), the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, as its preferred development partner to deliver the scheme. Over the last 18 months, ECF has been working with Bradford Council to develop the masterplan, including extensive public consultation and engagement. ECF will now work in partnership with the Council to progress a planning application. A third phase of public consultation will take place later this year, with an application expected to be submitted in late spring 2025. The regeneration opportunity is one of fifteen places identified in the Strategic Place Partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Homes England – announced last year – which aims to unlock ambitious, complex residential regeneration schemes and boost the delivery of thousands more homes. Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “This confirmation of £30m in funding for our City Village vision is brilliant news for Bradford. City Village is a central part of our ambition to deliver a modern city centre residential offer. “This announcement demonstrates the confidence Government has in Bradford to deliver and shows we’re building real momentum for our regeneration programme, which will drive economic growth across the district. “The funding will allow the scheme to continue moving forwards to deliver high-quality affordable homes on brownfield sites, providing the next generation of Bradfordians with the chance to live in a modern city offering a host of amenities including Darley St Market, Bradford Live and One City Park.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This investment is a major vote of confidence in Bradford. Government backing for these council-led plans will mean we can build the vibrant, well-connected communities the city deserves, with more high quality affordable homes. “Bradford’s inspiring rise to become one of the UK’s most important economic centres demonstrates the power of strong local and national leadership, working in partnership with local communities and local businesses to create jobs and growth. Together, we’ll build a stronger Bradford and a stronger, brighter Britain.”