May 4, 2018 2.14 pm This story is over 70 months old

Debate over listed Grimsby college demolition plans

New life for a derelict building or a heritage disaster?
Heritage groups are fighting to save the building.

Heritage groups have loudly objected to a plan to demolish a Victorian college building in Grimsby, which has fallen into disrepair.

Proposals lodged by Hull-based Benson Planning Studio would see the Grade II listed former Grimsby College of Art and Design on Eleanor Street turned into retail outlets and 90 flats.

While some elements of the former college building facade will be retained, much of the derelict buildings will be flattened.

Developers said in their design statement: “The deteriorated state of the existing buildings means their demolition is imperative. The only part not being demolished is the facade to the art college and the education department offices for its historical and visual value.”

Designs for the new flats and retail units in Grimsby

Designs for the new flats and retail units in Grimsby

Three new six storey blocks would be built on the site and eight units will be created on the ground floor to be used as either shops, offices or food outlets.

Ninety flats would be built above with a rooftop garden, as well as a car and cycle park at the back.

Plans have not been welcomed by all in the area. In fact, some preservation groups have spoken out in a mission to block the demolition of the buildings, designed by prolific local architect Herbert C Scaping and opened in 1895.

Numbers 7 and 9 Eleanor Street appeared on the Victorian Society’s Top 10 Endangered buildings list in 2013, since they were vacated by the college in 1994.

Anna Shelley, Conservation Adviser for the Victorian Society, said: “It’s such a disappointing application in so many ways.

“There is so much wanton demolition and then what is proposed to replace it so negatively affects the original material that is left.

“Façade retention schemes are often contentious but as with all things there is a scale and the way these proposals have been put together does not show these heritage assets the care and respect they have so long deserved.”

Objections have also been lodged by Save Britain’s Heritage and Historic England.

A decision on the plans will be made by North East Lincolnshire Council at a later date.