Plans to save historic ice factory approved – Cooling Post
The North East Lincolnshire Council has given the green light to plans that aim to transform the historic Grimsby Ice Factory into a multifunctional venue, offices, and a research and development area for offshore renewables. The Grade-II* listed building, which was once the largest ice factory in the world, will now undergo a major renovation project. The factory, which opened its doors in 1901, closed down in 1990 but gained recognition for its rare refrigeration equipment, eventually earning its grade-II* listing.
Entrepreneur Tom Shutes, who acquired the site from Associated British Ports in 2021, spearheaded the plans for the new complex. Shutes intends to preserve the iconic history of the ice making process by including a full representative example of it in the development. A notable feature of the project will be the retention of the plant room, which houses four enormous J&E Hall four-cylinder ammonia compressors dating back to 1931. These compressors will become a central feature of the new complex, paying homage to the factory’s rich history and technological advancements.
The announcement of the approved plans comes after years of extensive efforts by advocates and supporters of the Grimsby Ice Factory. In both 2013 and 2018, a government-backed feasibility study and the inclusion of the factory on the list of most endangered heritage sites in Europe gave hope and momentum to the preservation initiatives. The Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust’s bid for £11m of Heritage Lottery funding in 2014, however, proved to be unsuccessful.
The preservation and redevelopment of the Grimsby Ice Factory hold significant cultural and historical value for the region. The factory’s past as a groundbreaking industrial site has left an indelible mark on the local community. With the approved plans, the factory will be given a new lease on life, transformed into a hub for live events, innovation, and research within the offshore renewables sector.
The plans have garnered widespread support, with many recognizing the immense potential of the project to revitalize and boost the local economy. Councillor John Fenty expressed his enthusiasm for the redevelopment, stating, This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Grimsby. The restoration of the Grimsby Ice Factory will not only mark the preservation of a historic landmark but will also bring new economic opportunities to the area.
As the restoration project moves forward, local residents and heritage enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the revival of the Grimsby Ice Factory. The transformation into a venue for live events, along with the inclusion of office spaces and a research and development area, is expected to breathe new life into the iconic building and attract visitors from near and far.
The approved plans represent a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to revive and preserve the Grimsby Ice Factory. As the development progresses, stakeholders and the community at large will undoubtedly witness the reemergence of this historic site as a vibrant and thriving center for culture, innovation, and heritage.
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