We’re genuinely pleased to see so many new community spaces taking shape in Grimsby town centre. From the soon-to-open Horizon Youth Zone, to the welcoming CARE Hub on Victoria Street, and the business buzz building at St James House, there are real signs of investment and care returning to our town. Add to that the new Community Diagnostic Centre inside Freshney Place and the cinema development underway, and it’s clear that the town centre is starting to look and feel more useful, more purposeful and more welcoming.
These spaces matter. They help bring people into town, offer support and opportunity, and show that regeneration is about more than just shopfronts.
But with all this progress, we know there is still one big question that keeps coming up:
"What’s happening to the shops?"
Many residents tell us they’re worried about the retail experience in Grimsby. They see stores closing, fewer places to browse or buy, and they miss the high street as it once was. We understand completely. A town centre without shops doesn’t feel quite complete.
So we decided to look into what’s happening nationally and what organisations like the British Retail Consortium, the Institute of Place Management and central government are saying about the future of our high streets.
Here’s what we found.
It’s not just happening in Grimsby. Across the UK, many national brands are closing stores. The reasons are complex, but a few patterns are clear:
Rising costs: Business rates, rent and overheads are high, especially in older shopping centres.
Online shopping: More people are buying online, meaning fewer people visit shops in person.
Changing habits: People now expect more from town centres than just retail – they want places to meet, eat, and connect.
Some brands are still opening stores, but they are being very strategic – choosing locations where they see high footfall and long-term confidence. This is why places like Lincoln may be chosen over smaller towns, and why attracting retailers now often relies on more than just available space.
There is work happening behind the scenes to support the future of town centre retail:
The Government has provided funding through the Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund, helping places like Grimsby invest in public space, leisure and community uses that boost footfall.
The British Retail Consortium continues to lobby for fairer business rates and better support for high street retailers.
The Institute of Place Management has helped towns across the UK understand what drives footfall and how to make town centres more resilient.
There’s also growing support for turning empty shops into flexible spaces – places that can be used for pop-ups, events, services or start-ups rather than sitting unused.
It means that while we may not see a sudden return of big-name shops, the effort to create a vibrant, mixed-use town centre is part of what helps make retail possible again.
Spaces like the Horizon Youth Zone, CARE Hub, and Diagnostic Centre don’t replace shops – but they do bring people into town. And people are what retailers need most.
Grimsby’s town centre is becoming more than a place to shop. It’s becoming a place to live, learn, access support, and enjoy.
We think that’s a good foundation to build on.
What do you think would help Grimsby’s retail offer grow again? We’d love to hear your ideas. Email us, message us on social media, or come and chat in person. Your voice is a big part of the future.