Reviving Town Centres: How Devolution Can Transform High Streets Like Grimsby’s

Town centres and high streets are the beating heart of any community, and the government’s new English Devolution White Paper provides a golden opportunity to reinvigorate them.

For places like Grimsby, this initiative is more than just a policy shift—it’s a chance to bring our town centre into a new era of vibrancy and resilience.  

Here’s how the devolution plan directly supports high streets and town centres:  

1. Regeneration at the Local Level 

The devolution framework hands power back to regions, enabling local leaders to drive tailored regeneration projects.

For Grimsby, this could mean accelerated progress on the Freshney Place leisure scheme, green space initiatives, housing projects and enhanced community hubs that foster togetherness.  

By focusing on strategic, place-specific development, Grimsby’s town centre can be transformed into a place that blends leisure, culture, and commerce.  

2. Supporting Businesses and High Street Resilience

Local control over funding for business support is a game-changer. Devolved Growth Hub funding and innovation programmes empower towns like Grimsby to create tailored schemes that nurture independent businesses, attract investment, and make the high street a place for innovation and creativity.  

High streets that adapt and offer unique, community-focused experiences—whether through pop-up spaces, collaborative initiatives, or diverse offerings—will stand the test of time.  

3. Enhanced Infrastructure and Accessibility

Transport infrastructure plays a crucial role in the health of a high street. Through devolved powers, regions can better integrate public transport, improve pedestrian and cycling access, and create more welcoming town centres. For Grimsby, this could mean easier access to the town centre, boosting footfall and attracting visitors from surrounding areas.  

In 2025 the construction of our new transport hub will commence on Osborne Street. 

4. Empowering Local Communities

The white paper introduces a Community Right to Buy, enabling local groups to preserve and revitalise valued assets like empty shops and public spaces. Imagine Grimsby’s high street with previously vacant buildings transformed into thriving community spaces or creative hubs!  

This grassroots empowerment will breathe new life into town centres, turning them into places of pride and purpose.  

5. A Greener, Cleaner Future

The initiative also emphasises sustainability. Devolved funding for green energy and local climate action allows towns to focus on creating environmentally friendly high streets. Green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and eco-conscious transport options will ensure Grimsby’s town centre is ready for the future.  


This is a pivotal moment for Grimsby and its community. The government’s devolution agenda provides the framework, but the real change will come from us—local leaders, businesses, and residents working together to reimagine our high street.  

Let’s embrace this opportunity to make Grimsby’s town centre a place where people want to shop, relax, connect, and celebrate.

We need to work together to create a town centre that reflects the spirit of our community and the promise of a brighter future.  

If you would like to get involved in the "be part of the positive" campaign and become a town centre champion. 

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