Two Victorian buildings on Grimsby docks are ready to go back to work

On 13, September the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust (GGIFT) celebrated the completion of the Peterson’s Project on the Port of Grimsby, which was made possible in the main by National Lottery players.

First conceived in 2017, the project was developed jointly by GGIFT, Associated British Ports (ABP), and North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), and was instrumental in Great Grimsby becoming a Heritage Action Zone in 2018.  Designed to be a catalyst for the regeneration of the historic dock, the Peterson’s Project has brought back into use two important buildings within the Kasbah Conservation Area.

The Grade II listed Peterson’s Smokehouse on Henderson Street had functioned as a kipper house since the 19th century, when the original building was first erected.  By 2017 the building had been out of use for some time, and much of it was inaccessible.  It will now have a new life as a fully functioning fish processing and smoking factory, using the unique cold smoking process that can only take place in a traditional smokehouse.

The second building, at 89 Wharncliffe Road, was most recently known as Fred’s Fisheries.  Built by the Osborne family of fish merchants - again in the 19th century when the docks were developed following the arrival of the railway - it was in dire need of modernisation.  Through the project the stunning architectural features, and the lovely proportions of the rooms have been revealed, and it awaits tenants for the offices and retail spaces that have been re-created.

The project has taken seven years to complete, including feasibility studies, appraisal and design, and has cost over £1.4 million.  Thanks to National Lottery players, the majority of the funding was provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional grant funding was from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), Historic England (HE) and NELC. 

Vicky Hartung, Chair of GGIFT, says “We are so grateful to the funders, who never gave up on this project, all the way through Brexit, and Covid, with the consequent cost increases, and the complexities in bringing these two old buildings back to where they needed to be.  ABP, too, has supported us from the beginning and we have benefitted greatly from the help of Stella Jackson, NELC’s Heritage Projects Manager.”

While it has been a long wait for the buildings to be ready, the catalytic effect of the project occurred much sooner.  Of the 90 available buildings within the conservation area, up to 17 are currently under construction or negotiation, and the community of Kasbah tenants is growing. For more information go to www.thekasbah.co.uk.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to have supported the partnership work of the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust, Associated British Ports and North East Lincolnshire Council to secure the future of this very special area at Grimsby Docks.

“It is very exciting to see the Peterson’s Project now completed, and know that by investing in these iconic buildings, our funding is helping to transform the Kasbah into a revived centre of industry and creativity, which will further a sense of pride in the community and boost economic growth. It’s thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund is able to support multiple projects in Grimsby that, like this one, are contributing to the town’s ongoing, heritage-led regeneration.”

Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the Architectural Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to see that the Peterson’s Project in Grimsby is now complete, a project that we have supported from an early stage with multiple grants and a Heritage Impact Fund loan.

“Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust and their partners at Associated British Ports and North East Lincolnshire Council have done a brilliant job in securing a new future for these historic buildings. The project will create much-needed economic and social opportunities for Grimsby's residents and businesses, and kickstart the heritage-led regeneration of the wider Kasbah Conservation Area. We see these newly restored buildings as part of the exciting wider regeneration efforts in the town, a place with a really ambitious plan for its future.”

David Walsh, the principal adviser for partnerships at Historic England said: “Historic England is delighted to have been able to support this project, including providing funding with NELC through the Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas. The restoration and reuse of Petersons smokehouse and 89 Wharncliffe Road is a key step in the resurrection of the historic docks and Kasbah conservation area. Many congratulations to GGIFT, especially Vicky Hartung whose leadership and perseverance has made this happen, and all involved.”

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council said: “I’m really pleased to see these two buildings completed and open, and don’t they look fantastic. The Kasbah is an important place, and growing steadily in terms of the local economy, complementary to the industrial and traditional work based there. I’d like to particularly like to take the time to thank Vicky, GGIFT and ABP – their collective vision helped to kickstart the whole regeneration of the Kasbah many years ago, and look how far it’s come. It’s wonderful to see life come back into the older buildings, and the port become not just an operational one, but one where people can go to spend time, be creative and be supported.”

Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “It’s great to see work happening on the Port of Grimsby to revitalise these historic buildings. This smokehouse and building has been brought back into use and it’s great to see its unique character being restored, as part of instilling pride in the quarter. The area is emerging as a vibrant place and it’s becoming an attractive area for people to move their businesses to.”