By Plans for new creative workspace on Grimsby docks officially approved
Plans for a new workspace for artists and creative entrepreneurs on Grimsby docks have been officially approved, as part of the wider plan to redevelop a number of buildings in the Fish Dock area for the Grimsby Creates programme.
This programme was launched to represent the cultural activity in Grimsby over the next three years, and is being funded by the Cultural Development Fund.
Conservation architects and historic buildings consultants, Donald Insall Associates, were appointed last year to develop the plans for the new workspace.
Now, the work on the first phase of the project is set to go ahead, with three central buildings to be regenerated back into use to provide a space for creative individuals and businesses in the area.
The new space will combine studio space and a communal space for art installations, collaborations and networking events.
Work to secure the buildings from water ingress and damage will now commence, with the main construction work predicted to take place from mid-2022 onwards.
According to North East Lincolnshire Council, they “will also be seeking an organisation to take on the day-to-day operation of the workspace once it has been completed”.
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.”
A spokesperson for NELC said: “The buildings in question have had a long history associated with the port – from being occupied by a bank to being home to carpenters, sail printers, basket makers, engineers and boiler makers and of course fish handling companies. Some of the buildings also had to be re-built after suffering bomb damage in the second World War.
“Other buildings have associations with long-standing Grimsby employers, including Edwin Bacon, Ross and Youngs. And many sailors will have heard “Sailor Radio” on their travels, transmitted from one of the buildings in years past.”
The project aims to provide a culture-led regeneration project in the historic ‘Kasbah’ area as part of the wider Great Grimsby Heritage Action Zone, a programme to rejuvenate some of the town’s ‘at risk’ heritage sites, which are said to be of national significance.
