The remodelling of St James’ House into a thriving business hub in Grimsby is precisely the vision and ambition needed for the town centre, according to Council Leader Philip Jackson.
Touring the facility with E-Factor Group MD Mark Webb he said: “It shows how our council’s ambition to work with our partners to achieve such regeneration is becoming a reality.
“Our vision is to see a town centre that is vibrant, and attracts a diverse range of business, retail, leisure and community activities. We see around us now a whole host of schemes that will do just that, and with plans now being finalised for our Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme, there is a positive future to look forward to,” added Cllr Jackson.
North East Lincolnshire Council supported E-Factor’s application for a £1.5m Towns Fund grant towards the £2.5m complete renovation of the empty building. This has enabled the purchase of the building by E-Factor and for the work to go ahead.
Once the two-phase scheme is complete the new E-Factor Business Hub will stretch across three floors. In time there is also an ambition to remodel the roof space, which has wonderful views onto St James’ Square, the Minster, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and the Humber Bank.
Phase one includes redevelopment of the ‘arches’ space along the ground floor – to be let – with a separate reception area and space for the E-Factor’s 15 staff. More than 23 business units will also be created on the second floor as part of phase one.
Phase two works on the remaining floors is the next step with the first-floor plan being a new Business Hive HQ, with facilities such as a business lounge and boardroom for the 300-plus local businesses, as well as a modern conference room for businesses, exhibitions, conferences, and other events – bringing even more people into the town centre.
Mark Webb said: “This building has such potential and I can only endorse what Cllr Jackson has said. We all want what’s right for Grimsby Town Centre and if we can bring in such a variety of businesses, we can play a part in turning this town centre into something incredible. We are not only investing in this building, but we are investing in the whole of Grimsby.”
