Reflecting on a Year of Success: The 2025 Group’s Impact on Grimsby Town Centre

As we approach the end of another year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress and achievements of the 2025 Group.

Our mission has always been clear: to create a positive narrative for Grimsby’s town centre, to foster a sense of pride in our community, and to support the regeneration projects shaping our town’s future.

We have had 87 one to one meetings with businesses over the last year, and had even more conversations on our weekly visits to our local town centre businesses.

Our website saw 3,721 views this year, a remarkable 562% increase from last year, reflecting the growing interest and support for our work.

Additionally, our monthly newsletters reached 690 subscribers, ensuring the community stays informed and inspired.

This year, we’ve taken great strides in achieving these goals, and we’re excited to share some of the highlights with you.

Strengthening Community Engagement

One of our core priorities has been to bring people together, not just to shop, but to reconnect with Grimsby’s heart.

This year, the 2025 Group hosted several events designed to inform, inspire, and involve the community in shaping the future of our town centre:

✔️ Quarterly Updates on Regeneration Projects: We provided a platform for project managers to share the latest updates on vital initiatives such as the Horizon Youth Zone, the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre, and the Victoria Street makeover. With 307 attendees across three events, these sessions have been invaluable in keeping the community informed and engaged.

✔️ Designing a Pocket Park: With your input, we took the first steps toward creating a green, reflective space in the town centre. Community members voted on their favourite designs, showing the power of collaboration in reimagining our shared spaces.

✔️ Town Centre Tours: Over the summer, we organised 18 guided tours to highlight the town’s heritage and ongoing regeneration, sparking pride and interest among locals and visitors alike.

✔️ Building Connections We added 428 new contacts to the 2025 Group database—people who showed interest in the group and pledged support for the town centre.

Supporting Local Businesses

A thriving town centre relies on the success of its businesses, and we’ve worked hard to support retailers, hospitality venues, and service providers. Next year, we will introduce a new training programme for local businesses, focusing on collaboration, customer engagement, and adapting to changing trends.

By encouraging pop-up spaces and partnerships, we’re helping businesses think creatively and attract more visitors to their bricks-and-mortar locations.

Additionally, we will address tough but necessary questions, such as, “Is what I’m offering meeting my customers’ needs?” and “Am I in the right market?”

Honest self-reflection has been a key message as we support businesses to grow and adapt in a challenging retail environment.

Celebrating Community Events

This year, we’ve had the privilege of supporting or hosting several events that brought life and excitement to Grimsby’s town centre. Activities Coordinator Steve Rustling played a pivotal role in organising and supporting key events, including:

✔️Festival of the Sea by NELC and Swan Events: A celebration of Grimsby’s rich maritime heritage, attracting families and visitors to the town.

✔️ Halloween shop front design competition and Pumpkin trail by Steve Rusling 

✔️Viking Event By Julia Thompson: Bringing history to life with engaging activities for all ages.

✔️Grimsby and Clee Eats Street Food Event Steve Rusling & Wayne Russell: Transforming Riverhead Square into a vibrant hub of culinary delights.

✔️Edible Grimsby By Culture House in St James Square: Highlighting the importance of sustainability and local food initiatives.

✔️ Grimsby Light Switch-On by NELC and Swan Events: Kicking off the festive season with a spectacular community gathering.

These events have not only enhanced the cultural vibrancy of the town centre but also strengthened community bonds and increased footfall, showcasing Grimsby as a dynamic and welcoming destination.

There will be lots more events to enjoy in 2025. 

Championing Good News Stories

This year, we’ve amplified positive stories from across Grimsby, we’ve challenged negative headlines and shone a light on the vibrant, welcoming aspects of our town. Highlights include:

✔️The launch of community-focused projects like the CARE Community Hub coming in 2025 and support for the new Freshney Place leisure scheme including Parkway Cinema. 

✔️Celebrating community heroes, such as the fostering team in North East Lincolnshire, who tirelessly work to support local children and families.

✔️Ongoing promotion of regeneration projects that are transforming our town into a hub of opportunity and connection.

✔️ A Year to Remember: The Short Film That Stole the Show in 2024

The 2025 Group's highlight of 2024 was, without a doubt, the premiere of our inspiring short film. Created by talented local filmmakers Alex Thompson and Micky Parsons, this project was a true celebration of Grimsby’s positive transformation.  

The film beautifully showcased the heart of our town—its people and the exciting regeneration projects shaping its future. It spotlighted community champions and the remarkable efforts driving Grimsby forward, reminding us all of the power of unity and collaboration.  

The impact was extraordinary. With over 60,000 views on social media, the film resonated far and wide, drawing praise and attention from major outlets like BBC Radio Humberside, BBC Look North, and BBC Sunday Breakfast. It has become a beacon of positivity, bringing renewed focus to the 2025 Group and our commitment to building a brighter future for our town.  

Thank you to everyone who watched it or shared the film on social media. If you haven't watched it you can watch it  here


Building Partnerships

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the incredible partnerships we’ve fostered this year. Collaborating with the High Street Taskforce, our local authority, community groups, and Our Future we’ve built a strong foundation for lasting change. These partnerships have not only strengthened our project but have also inspired a shared commitment to Grimsby’s success.

This year also saw 36 new town centre champions sign the pledge to “be part of the positive,” demonstrating their support for the town’s revitalisation efforts.

Furthermore, we actively participated in 23 external events, broadening our reach and fostering deeper connections across the region.

Looking Ahead

The momentum we’ve built over the past year is just the beginning. With the Horizon Youth Zone set to open in October 2025, the Community Diagnostic Centre, St James House and continued developments in housing, transport, and green spaces,

Grimsby’s future is brighter than ever. We’re grateful for your unwavering support and invite you to stay involved as we continue to write this positive chapter for our town centre.

Thank You, To everyone who has participated, supported, or championed our work this year.

Together, we’re not just rebuilding a town centre; we’re rebuilding a sense of community and pride.

Here’s to another year of progress and positivity with the 2025 Group.