Makeover for historic Grimsby fish docks

PLANS to breathe new life into the old fish processing area on Grimsby docks, known as the ‘Kasbah’, and other historic parts of the port have been announced.
The five-year scheme is being led by North East Lincolnshire (Grimsby) Council and Historic England, and is at the heart of an ambitious ‘town deal’.
This is a package of plans for investment by government and local agencies, including the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.
Almost £4 million is to be spent redeveloping a derelict fishing dock into a ‘centre for artisan food and seafood’. Plans also include building on the area\’s expertise in smoking fish.
Historic England in the East Midlands will provide an estimated £620,000, with the rest coming from the council and their partners Engie, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.
The overall programme is already worth more than £3.7 million, and could be boosted further by grants from additional funders.
The Kasbah, so called because of its labyrinth of alleyways, is still home to active fish processing. It was designated as a Conservation Area in 2017.  Many fish firms, however, have moved out to more modern locations such as the Grimsby Seafood Village.
Historic England said it will provide support and advice to the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust and partners to look at possibilities for the creative re-use of the Ice Factory, an important building at risk which stands at the gateway to the Kasbah.
Cllr Ray Oxby, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: ‘As a council we’re bringing together the right people and organisations to make our collective vision for Greater Grimsby a reality – and that’s clear in the commitment shown by ABP and Historic England to the transformation of the historic Kasbah, including the Ice Factory at the Port of Grimsby.
‘We’re giving new life to the area’s heritage assets and celebrating our proud maritime history while also looking to the future and embracing our waterfront location.’
Simon Bird, Humber port director at Associated British Ports, said:  ‘The Humber Ports make up the busiest port complex in the UK and the Port of Grimsby is a thriving part of that complex.
‘The modern port has behind it a rich history of fishing and commercial use and what is really exciting is that some of the historic buildings from that past can play an important role in the port’s future.
‘ABP, working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England, are planning a phased approach to a heritage led regeneration of the Kasbah area of the port, creating new opportunities for business start-ups, creative industries and charities.’