The first renaissance project delivered in Grimsby officially opened on July 29th. The St James Centre is an extension to St James Church. This renaissance project creates a meeting place for the local community in the heart of Grimsby town centre. The centre offers local facilities for meetings, advice and guidance, learning and training, presentations and counselling. The extension cost £750, 000; joint funding came from Yorkshire Forward, EU Funding, the National Lottery, WREN and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The facilities at the new centre have opened the doors to a range of community projects that will improve the quality of life for people in the area. There are several initiatives already in place, such as the Meet the Police sessions, where people from the area can come and comment about the way the police operate. Work is also going ahead to introduce initiatives such as Operation Lifestyle, so young people have somewhere safe to go and they can get involved in community activities. The project is key, no only through its design quality but also as a facility that the community can use and play a major role in its continued development.

The new extension blends in perfectly with the old church building and offers the best of modern design and technology within its facilities. It is a real community facility in the heart of the town that sets a very high standard for the future of Grimsby.