THE latest vision for the rebirth of Freeman Street is "different because it's do-able".

And with £2-million to kick off the scheme, council bosses have today pledged their long-term commitment to redeveloping what was once Grimsby's main shopping street.

In doing so, they have admitted that past plans had fallen by the wayside due to a lack of such commitment and effective working together.

But today, they have released a set of artist's impressions in a report – the consultation and report alone cost £50,000 – and assure the public that while it will not happen overnight, these plans will happen.

The demolition of the former Odeon cinema and former Kwik Save store – estimated to cost about £1-million – will happen within a year, paving the way for a communal square with landscaping. And the partnership between North East Lincolnshire Council, The Enrolled Freemen of Grimsby and Shoreline is aiming to recreate a bustling retail and services area.

New Look? A vision for Freeman Street Market.

The redevelopment of Freeman Street – predicted to cost £5.7-million in all – was hailed by members of North East Lincolnshire Council Cabinet as a "stunning" renaissance.

NELC's portfolio holder for regeneration, Councillor Geoff Lowis, said: "It is different this time because it is do-able. We might only see a lot of demolition to begin with, but it is a start. We are totally committed."

The Freemen's charity co-ordinator, Richard Bellamy, said: "We are keen to progress this in the light of The Big Society ideals and the Freemen are right behind it."

A number of projects are among the first "big hits". They are:

The demolition of the Odeon cinema and former Kwik Save store to create a public square.

The Central Hall becoming a magnificent centrepiece.

A new Freeman Street market to become a community hub and skills centre.

A Freeman Park.

Mr Bellamy continued: "We are working well together with Shoreline and the council. It is a unique partnership."

He said NELC officials were negotiating with the owners of buildings earmarked for demolition. Businesses will be offered the opportunity to relocate.

"With previous regeneration plans there was no delivery body," he said. "With this plan, not only do the partners own 90 per cent of the property, the council now has compulsory purchase powers.

"All the partners are very enthusiastic. I would be extremely disappointed if we don't see things happening within 12 months."

NELC's executive director of regeneration, Marc Cole, said: "It will help to give the private sector confidence to invest in this area."

Councillor Steve Beasant, the portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, highlighted progress made in nearby Victor Street and the demolition of Guildford Street as good practice.

Shoreline Housing Partnership's chief executive, Tony Bramley, said: "This plan has a higher prospect of success – despite the very challenging economic climate.

"This is primarily because it is based on the three dominant land-owners in the immediate area – North East Lincolnshire Council, Freeman and ourselves – working in a co-ordinated and collaborative way on a set of commonly agreed objectives."