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Championing Change: The 2025 Group's Role in Revitalising Grimsby's Town Centre
Why was the 2025 Group formed, and what is its purpose?
Many of you have asked about the origins and mission of the 2025 Group, so I’ve dedicated this week's blog post to addressing these questions.
In the heart of Grimsby, a transformative vision is unfolding.
As Grimsby faces the future, the 2025 Group's mission is crucial: to communicate the exciting developments happening in the town centre, particularly to the business community and local residents.
The Mission of the 2025 Group
Founded with a clear vision, the 2025 Group serves as a communicator of positive news amidst the often negative news.
While the responsibility of initiating regeneration projects lies with private organisations and the local authority, the 2025 Group's role is to ensure that every stride forward is shared with the people of Grimsby.
Positive Storytelling
At the core of the our strategy is storytelling. By sharing uplifting stories about the town centre's regeneration, the 2025 Group fosters a sense of pride and ownership among locals. These stories not only inform but also inspire the community, highlighting the benefits of the transformations underway. From new business hubs like the renovated St James House to the Horizon Youth Zone. new cinema and leisure area, each narrative is crafted to bolster community support and engagement.
Engaging the Community
Community engagement is another pillar of the 2025 Group's strategy. Through regular updates, meetings, and forums, we create a dialogue which includes the local town centre community, ensuring that feedback and concerns are heard. This two-way communication is vital for keeping everyone up to date and excited about the future of the town centre.
Advocacy and Collaborations
The 2025 Group also plays a critical role in advocacy, promoting Grimsby’s town centre as a safe place to visit, shop, and invest. Our efforts are recognised on larger stages too, evidenced by their invitation to become member of the Institute of Place Management, facilitated by the Metropolitan University of Manchester. This affiliation not only validates our work but also connects us with similar groups nationwide, fostering a larger network of knowledge and support.
Impact of Positive Narratives
The power of a positive narrative cannot be underestimated. In a world quick to criticise, the focus on positive developments by the 2025 Group helps to counterbalance skepticism.
By highlighting successful outcomes and ongoing progress, we help maintain public support for the sometimes disruptive processes of regeneration.
Success Stories
There are some great stories to be had take, for example, the initiative by local businesses like McDonald's to address antisocial behaviour by engaging with our young people who visit the town centre. McDonald’s sign post the young people to the Haven Centre youth zone just across the road from McDonalds.
It provides a space for youth workers, classes for young people and support services for people facing challenging situations in their home lives.
The 2025 Group also gets involved in the action days in the town centre. We join forces with Humberside Police officers, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) team, the Environmental Enforcement Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE), the Rough Sleeping Coordinator supported by Harbour Place and Navigo, and Equans’ Civil Enforcement Officers and CCTV team.
The Taskforce has been launched to target the main town centre issues and tackle Anti-Social Behaviour in Grimsby town centre. The team aims to remind people of the consequences of causing problems in the area.
The 2025 Group highlights these stories, showcasing how community-focused strategies can lead to real improvements in public safety and cohesion.
Future Visions and Continuing Efforts
Looking forward, the 2025 Group is not just focused on current projects but is also planning for future initiatives. We continue to promote all new initiatives large or small ensuring that the narrative of Grimsby’s regeneration remains vibrant and forward-looking.
Your Role in This Journey
As part of the Grimsby community, your involvement is crucial. Whether you're a local business owner, resident, or simply someone who loves Grimsby, your engagement with the 2025 Group's initiatives makes a difference.
By attending events, sharing your feedback, and contributing to the discussions, you help shape the future of your town.
The 2025 Group invites you to join us in this exciting journey of transformation.
If we work together we can ensure that Grimsby's town centre not only evolves but thrives and becomes a place where our local community wants to visit again.
If you would like to pledge your organisations support to become 'part of the positive' and become a 2025 Group Grimsby town centre champion.
Please don't hesitate to book a meeting with me here and we can discuss how you and your organisation can get involved.
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