When we talk about Grimsby town centre changing, we know people will have different views.
Some people can already see the improvements.
They notice the planting, the flowers, the murals, the better lighting, the events, the spaces opening up and the sense that parts of the town centre are beginning to feel more cared for.
Others still feel frustrated.
They see empty units, antisocial behaviour, people drinking in public spaces, businesses struggling, concerns around safety and a town centre that does not yet feel how they want it to feel.
Both things can be true.
There is progress to recognise.
And there is still work to do.
Over the past few weeks, our social media pages have shown just how strongly people feel about the town centre. The comments have included frustration, concern, memories of how the town used to be, support for the changes and clear ideas about what people would like to see next.
That response matters.
It shows that people still care.
And when people care, there is still something to build from.
Since sharing those conversations, we have also seen more positive town centre news coming forward.
The Rabbit Hole independent bookshop has now opened inside the Our Big Picture building on Bethlehem Street.
Owned by Mel and Nick, the shop brings something warm, creative and independent into the town centre. It offers books, children’s stories, local authors, smaller publishers and a welcoming space for people to browse, visit and spend time.
At Riverhead, new activity is beginning to come forward after a period of empty units. Little Teddies Childcare Services is set to open a nursery, bringing childcare, families and new jobs into this part of town. Plans for the Innoflate indoor inflatable play park have also now been approved, creating another family-friendly reason to visit the town centre.
There is also positive news for Devonshire House on Bull Ring Lane, next to the new cinema and leisure development, with plans approved for refurbishment. This matters because regeneration is not only about the larger projects. It is also about bringing prominent empty buildings back into use, improving important routes and creating a better overall feel across the town centre.
These updates are important because they show movement.
They show that empty and underused spaces can begin to have a new purpose.
They show that independent businesses, family activity, childcare, leisure and building improvements all have a role to play in creating a town centre that people use more often.
Some of the changes happening in Grimsby are very visible.
People can see new planting, improved lighting, murals and works taking place across key spaces.
But some of the bigger changes are already here too.
Our Big Picture, the culture, heritage and arts hub, is now open and being used by the community.
Horizon Youth Zone is open, and every teatime there are queues of young people waiting to get in. It has already become a hugely important space for the young people of our town.
The CARE Community Hub is providing support in the town centre.
The Culture House has brought events and creativity into Grimsby, including Helios at Grimsby Minster, which attracted thousands of visitors and gave people a reason to come into town, spend time here and see the Minster used in a different way.
The Community Diagnostic Centre is bringing health services into the heart of the town centre.
St James House has been regenerated into the Business Hive, supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The new market, cinema and leisure development is under construction, and it is encouraging to see Nando’s already signed up for a unit.
The Rabbit HoleIndependent bookshop has opened in Our Big Picture.
New plans are moving forward at Riverhead Square.
Devonshire House now has approved plans for refurbishment.
These are not small things.
They are all part of bringing people, activity, services, events, businesses and community spaces back into the town centre.
That matters because footfall matters.
The more people use the town centre, the stronger it becomes.
It is understandable that people want one clear solution.
More shops.
More police.
More parking.
More events.
More investment.
More support for businesses.
The truth is that Grimsby town centre needs all of these things, and more.
A stronger town centre will not come from one project alone. It will come from a mix of uses and activities that give people different reasons to visit at different times of the day.
That includes shops, cafés, restaurants, markets, culture, leisure, health services, youth provision, childcare, workspaces, housing, public spaces, events, independent businesses and support services.
The opening of The Rabbit Hole, the Riverhead updates, the Devonshire House approval and the continuing progress of the cinema and leisure development all show that different parts of the town centre are beginning to move.
There is still a long way to go.
But progress is happening.
And the more people use the town centre, support what is already here, attend events, visit businesses and share constructive ideas, the stronger the case becomes for future investment.
📸 Gary Davies Photography