October 19, 2021 3.56 pm This story is over 29 months old

Plan to turn Grimsby fish dock buildings into creative studios

Creative and exhibition spaces for local businesses and artists
Grimsby dock buildings which will be renovated into creative space. | Image: NELC

Historic port buildings will be brought back to life as creative studios for artists and entrepreneurs.

Six buildings in Grimsby’s Fish Dock will be converted as part of a council project to kickstart regeneration in the Kasbah.

The scheme aims to make 37 studios available for hire and create exhibition spaces, according to the newly-approved planning application.

Plans to restore Grimsby dock buildings into creative spaces. | Image: Donald Insall Associates

Some of the buildings were once occupied by major Grimsby employers such as Edwin Bacon, Ross and Youngs.

Others were home to thriving businesses, including carpenters, sail printers, basket makers, engineers and boiler makers and fish handling companies. ‘Sailor Radio’ was also transmitted from the location.

The buildings will be repaired and refurbished, with historic signage put back into place.

Councillor Callum Procter, Cabinet member for economic growth, said: “This is a really important project for Grimsby, bringing together the creative activity that’s been happening along with development of a unique affordable space for businesses and creatives to grow. I look forward to watching the space develop in the coming year.”

Work will be carried out the buildings in three phases, focusing on regenerating the three central buildings first.

The buildings will be secured against water entry before the winter, with the main construction expected to begin on mid-2022.

Another view of the proposed development. | Image: Donald Insall Associates

Historic England has backed the plans, saying: “We are very pleased to see that the buildings will be appropriately repaired and refurbished as part of the project and converted to new uses which will bring more life and activity to the historic docks.”

The application for the scheme says: “The character of the Kasbah Conservation Area and the buildings naturally lend themselves to provide large, ‘working’ ground floor spaces, with small office spaces at first floor which could become studios.”

Funding for the scheme has been provided by a grant from the Cultural Development Fund.

The council will be looking for a company to manage its day-to-day running.

More port buildings have been earmarked for regeneration if more funding is secured.