May 16, 2018 8.47 am This story is over 70 months old

£3.7m heritage project to revitalise Grimsby

The Kasbah area will be developed into a centre for artisan food.
The Kasbah area of Grimsby, where some of the investment will be spent. Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council

The Kasbah area will be developed into a centre for artisan food as part of the £3.7million Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone.

Owners of The Kasbah, ABP, along with North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England, hope to make the most of a living local tradition of producing smoked fish at a site designated as a Conservation Area in 2017.

Premises in the docks and town centre will also be given a new lease of life for business and community use.

The five-year scheme, led by North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England, is at the heart of an ambitious ‘Town Deal’.

The ‘Town Deal’ is a package of plans for investment by government and local agencies, including the Humber Local Enterprise partnership.

Alfred Enderby Fish Smokers at The Kasbah. Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council

Historic England will also provide support and advice to the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust and partners for creative ways to reuse the building, which as previously reported is at risk.

The Heritage Action Zone will promote re-use of historic buildings along Alexandra Dock, including Victoria Mills, the Cooperage, West Haven Maltings and Haven Mill.

It will also help to create open space for events and activities around St James’ Minster.

Historic England in the East Midlands will provide an estimated £620,000, with the rest coming from North East Lincolnshire Council and their partners Engie, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.

The overall programme is already worth more than £3.7 million and could be boosted further by grants from additional funders.

Surtees Street at The Kasbah, Grimsby Docks. Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council

Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council councillor Ray Oxby said: “The Heritage Action Zone is just one example of the ambitious, place-based approach that underpins the Greater Grimsby Town Deal.

“As a council we’re bringing together the right people and organisations to make our collective vision for Greater Grimsby a reality – and that’s clear in the commitment shown by ABP and Historic England to the transformation of the historic Kasbah including the Ice Factory at the Port of Grimsby.

“We’re giving new life to the area’s heritage assets and celebrating our proud maritime history while also looking to the future and embracing our waterfront location.”