'Landmark’ Grimsby retail and leisure development to create 200 jobs

Work has begun on a new retail and leisure development set to transform the former Ramsdens Superstore site in Grimsby.

Working in partnership with Ramsden Group, the development by Hull-based Wykeland will encompass the site of the former superstore, which closed in 2016, some neighbouring properties and open land, and is expected to create 200 jobs.

Starbucks is the first operator to sign up to the regeneration scheme and work has now started on construction of an 1,800 sq ft drive-thru and eat-in café.

Wykeland development director Jonathan Stubbs, commented: “We’ve been a committed investor in Grimsby for many years and proud to have now taken the development of this key site in the town into the build phase.

“The construction of this Starbucks facility signals the beginning of a new chapter for the former Ramsdens Superstore site.

“Since announcing Starbucks’ commitment to the scheme we have seen a strong upturn in enquiries from retail operators and we are actively pursuing these opportunities.”

Nick Ramsden, managing director of site owner Ramsden Group, which operates retail and wholesale businesses from Grimsby, added: “It is very exciting to see this major regeneration project get underway with the start of construction of the new Starbucks.

“This marks the rebirth of this important site, which will bring in significant investment and create much-needed jobs in Grimsby at a time when the economy has been disrupted by the Covid pandemic.”