Time Capsule Discovery Signals Progress on £50m Grimsby Regeneration

On the week that “I’ll never fall in love again” by Dionne Warwick was number one in the UK charts, a foundation stone was dedicated at the former Riverhead Centre, now known as Freshney Place in Grimsby Town Centre.

The copper time capsule, sealed by the Mayor of Grimsby, has been unearthed during the latest phase of demolition at Freshney Place, a timely reminder that while the town is embracing change, its history remains firmly in focus.

The capsule, found behind the Foundation Stone contained preserved local newspapers from 1969 and 1973, building plans, and a metal plate from one of the site contractors. Contractors GMI uncovered it while clearing the site of the former BHS building, part of the £50 million transformation of the western end of Freshney Place into a new leisure-led destination.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Thanks to local historians and social media, we knew that a time capsule had also been buried at the foundation stone site, so contractors were looking out for it. It was found behind the foundation stone, in what would have been the BHS building.”

The recovered time capsule will be preserved and displayed locally, giving residents the chance to connect with a moment in the town’s past, as they watch the next chapter of their town centre take shape through ambitious redevelopment plans.

The redevelopment of Freshney Place is a flagship project for the region, delivered in partnership between the council and strategically chosen specialists from the private sector that have a proven track record in regeneration.

Paul Sargent, Founder of Queensberry, development and asset manager for the project said:  “The discovery of the time capsule has injected a real sense of community pride into this project. This is regeneration at its best - progressing on schedule, delivering major change, but with respect for the history and identity of the town. Meaningful development isn’t about wiping the slate clean—it’s about building the future on the foundations of the past – and providing the local community with a space that will meet its needs.”

The project is operating on schedule with structural clearance, including the removal of the Bullring units and the former market hall now complete. Some recycled materials from the demolition will be used in the new foundations—an approach that blends heritage with sustainable construction practices.

The upgraded Freshney Place will offer day-to-night appeal, creating a contemporary destination that drives footfall and supports a vibrant local economy. The centrepiece of the scheme includes a new leisure anchor- a Parkway multi-screen cinema, a reinvented market hall along with a stylish, vibrant food and shopping venue - all designed to revitalise the town centre and position it as a leading destination within the region.  

Paul Sargent continues: “For local authorities and investors, this project is a case study in how carefully curated partnerships can deliver effective placemaking. Understanding the council’s strategic vision and the needs of the local community have been fundamental to this scheme, and are critical for its long-term commercial success.”