By Locals have their say on the future of Eleanor Street Art College
Eleanor Street in Grimsby remains closed this morning following a large fire at the abandoned Grimsby Art College.
Roughly 30 firefighters and officers from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire as Eleanor Street closed to traffic.
The fire service attended with five appliances and a hydraulic platform after the fire started shortly after 5 pm on Sunday 19 June.
The abandoned building is a hotspot for youths who are determined to explore despite the high risk of danger.
In March, officers were called to the college after two children had become trapped following a floor collapsing on top of them, prompting many residents living near the building to question whether it should be demolished to prevent further damage or injuries.
The college was first opened in 1895 and at the time was called Grimsby Higher Grade School or Grimsby Municipal College.
The building was later renamed Wintringham Grammar School after local timber merchant and former Grimsby Mayor, John Wintringham.
In the 1970s it became Grimsby Art College but after the college moved it was believed the building would be turned into apartments.
In a recent update on the fire, Humberside Police confirmed three juveniles have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a foot chase.
On social media, locals have been passionate to voice their thoughts on what should happen with the site, as time goes on and the building becomes increasingly unstable.
“Keep the front and side facade, then they can build a modern building onto that, it will preserve the look whilst being a modern usable building that retains its heritage.” one user suggested.
“Rip it down and replace it with something like a soft play area, trampolines, sensory rooms, little cinema, etc for people with learning disabilities and autism..tthere’snot enough things like that within Grimsby/Cleethorpes and these people are also part of the community too, and shouldn’t have to drive miles to be able to access them.” another said.
“Could it be demolished and the bricks reclaimed to build something in a similar style? Like apartments?” another added.
North East Lincolnshire Council have issued an update on the closure, they revealed that the blaze has caused further damage to the structure and officials want to ensure there is no risk of parts of the building falling.
There were further suggestions by users:
“I think the window of opportunity has sadly passed a long time ago. It’s a shame that most of Grimsby and Cleethorpes heritage buildings have been neglected to a state of disrepair and this is just another one to add to the list.”
“Sadly it’s going to need demolishing. The road closures don’t concern me, but it’s probably unstable and another fire or strong winds and it could come down in an uncontrolled manner.”
The footpath on the other side of the road will remain open. This will allow access to the properties opposite the art college. However, there will be no access for vehicles with a provision made for residents to park on Heneage Road. Any current parking restrictions and enforcement in that area will be lifted for the time being.
Meanwhile, diversion signs will be set up to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible around the area.
A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: “As we work with the emergency services teams at the scene, we are in no doubt of the immediate priority to ensure the safety of residents, passers-by, and motorists. It is with this in mind that the immediate road and pathway must remain shut until a thorough risk assessment has taken place.”
