Plans for new creative hub on the docks released

Plans for a new creative workspace on Grimsby docks have been released as they head into the planning application process.

World renowned conservation architects and historic buildings consultants, Donald Insall Associates, were appointed last year to develop plans to create the new workspace, and a planning application has now been submitted to redevelop a number of buildings in the Fish Dock area of Grimsby as part of the Grimsby Creates programme

Proposals have now come forward to transform Buildings 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11 on Auckland Road and Building 16 on Fish Dock Road into a new space for creative individuals and businesses, which will incorporate studio space as well as a communal space for art installations and exhibitions.

The design has been split into phases, with the first section being for buildings 8, 9 and 10 in the current funding round. Future development will depend on securing additional funding.

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 of the Port of Grimsby.

The planning application will now go through the normal planning stages. To follow progress, log on to the Planning Portal and use application reference DM/0533/21/FUL.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport funds the Cultural Development Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.