Grimsby building's transformation into thriving business hub progresses

Sold by Scotts, we are looking forward to seeing the finished result

The first phase will open within weeks and the last phase will see the creation of atop floor ‘penthouse’ office with potential rooftop events space

A new business hub which is set to attract new industry to Grimsby is weeks away from the opening of its first phase.

Property company E-Factor Group is driving forward the transformation of St James’ House into The Hive - a new business hub and flexible office space which will provide a base for businesses to network, collaborate, and grow, while also aiding regeneration efforts. The transformed property in St James’ Square will form a key part of the regeneration of Grimsby’s town centre alongside the Freshney Place leisure, foodhall and market scheme, the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone, the plans for 130 homes on Alexandra Dock and the opening of a Community Diagnostic Centre in Freshney Place.

Now the first five tenants are waiting to move into the building when phase one of the building’s conversion opens for tenants in around six weeks.

North East Lincolnshire Council supported E-Factor’s application for a £1.5m Towns Fund grant towards the complete renovation of the empty building, funds which enabled the purchase of the building by E-Factor and for the work to go-ahead.

The first phase includes a glass fronted ground floor cafe, and separate business space that is being let to the NSPCC for its work with families across North East Lincolnshire. Within the building’s second floor, which comprises of offices for 18 small businesses – five have already been let.

Also completed in phase one is the reception, space for E-Factor employees, and a break-out space with floor to ceiling glass leading outside. Phase two will then include a first-floor hub and events space for meetings, activities and the E-Factor’s regular business hive gatherings - which are set to be busy as the group has more than 300 members.

The final phase will see the creation of the top floor ‘penthouse’ office – a space ideal for a small to medium-sized professional services company – which will also have an adjoining outdoor space which could become a rooftop events terrace.

Mark Webb, E-Factor managing director: “This building is coming together and will be, I believe, an iconic building in Grimsby and a good reason why people will want to come to the town centre and take advantage of all the retail and leisure outlets that are going to be here.”

North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Coun Philip Jackson, said: “This is going to be an asset to the town centre and is part of our overall regeneration plans. I am really excited about this, and the additional footfall that is going to be attracted here. If we want to attract new business and industry into the area one of the things people want to see is a thriving town centre, which will create confidence - not just here, but in the surrounding area.”

Copied From Business Live - Published 12:53, 18 FEB 2025