Parkway cinema boss: 'There is a lot going on in Freshney Place, and we can't wait to be part of it."

                                                                         

The Parkway Cinema in Cleethorpes aim also to become a 'living, breathing' breathing presence in the heart of Grimsby

AN upbeat note on Parkway Cinema's commitment to a  five-screen venture in Grimsby's Freshney Place has been sounded by owner Richard Parkes.

In a press release issued by North East Lincolnshire Council, Richard Parkes is quoted thus: "We have long discussed options for bringing a cinema to Grimsby.

"Reinventing Freshney Place is precisely the right approach. 

"Town centres are not just about shopping - that does not work anymore. 

"We need to provide more reasons to visit and offer more things to do at more times during the day, and that’s just what we’ve signed up for - to bring that to Grimsby."

Mr Parkes' comments are reassuring, particularly following recent speculation in the Grimsby News that he might be cooling on expanding into a remodelled top town.

His statement continues: "We will be a living, breathing presence right in the heart of the town, with a new cinema open to and accessible to everyone alongside a new market hall and food outlets. 

"It is just part of something that will improve the whole town centre for a new generation, alongside the youth zone and other areas of the town like St James Square and the Riverhead. 

"There is a lot going on, and we can’t wait to be part of it."

The development also includes plans for a new food hall together with an attached complementary market. 

Once the new market hall has been completed - within the old BHS store - prospective traders will be invited to explore what opportunities might be on offer.

Some opposition North East Lincolnshire councillors have expressed disquiet about the slow progress, but the administration says work  is expected to start on site "early in the New Year". 

In an unusual  move, a panel - with cross-party membership - will be set up shortly with a brief to  monitor 'key' regeneration projects in the borough.