Photographs of Grimsby’s Top Town Market have been released ahead of demolition works, which are set to begin next week.
As previously reported, the market closed in February after serving generations of Grimbarians for almost 50 years. Next week, demolition will begin to make way for a new cinema as part of the Freshney Place Leisure Scheme. Work to create a permanent new market hall is also expected to start in the coming months.
In the meantime, a temporary market is being set up in the former One Beyond unit, which was vacated earlier this month after the retailer was served notice.
Preliminary works have already been taking place behind the scenes, including the removal of asbestos, the suspended ceiling, and much of the mechanical and electrical equipment.
According to North East Lincolnshire Council, samples have been taken from the floor to analyse the composition of the ground and help inform upcoming construction work. Archaeological trenches have also been dug to investigate what lies beneath various parts of the market hall.
Once demolition gets underway, it will work inwards across the site and will be carried out during the daytime.
Dave Fish, GMI’s Project Manager, said: “Given the construction of the market hall and developments in this space over the years, we didn’t expect for there to be any significant remains, however, we needed to check this out. The only item we found in the trenches was an oyster shell, not unusual in this part of the country.”
“The work is going really well,” continued Dave. “We’ve completed the soft strip of the Market Hall and we’re starting the main demolition on Monday.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.