A clutch of properties on Port of Grimsby’s Kasbah conservation area are set to welcome new tenants in the coming months.
Start-up developer WE1 Group Heritage has revealed it has six clients moving into three renovated workspaces this year, having taken on a dozen properties in restoration projects.
It comes as the former Consolidated Fisheries building on Auckland Road is added to the portfolio, successfully receiving an £18,800 heritage grant to support the works. WE1 leases the buildings from Associated British Ports, and began work last year.
Read more: London heritage expertise lands at Grimsby's Kasbah conservation zone
Steve Ridlington, managing director of town-based WE1 Group Heritage, said: “We are extremely excited to be involved with the Grimsby Heritage Action Zone and everything that is happening at the Port of Grimsby. We started renovating two properties on the docks in August 2021 and we now have 12 properties under restoration, we have six clients moving into three of our renovated workspaces this year.
“This is an amazing place to be, you are surrounded by so much rich history and the architecture is so inspiring. This is a really exciting time for Grimsby and we feel privileged to be associated with ABP and the Heritage Action Zone.”
The Partnership Scheme in Conservation Area (PSiCA) repair grant will now allow them to re-render external walls, repair windows, replace cast iron rainwater goods, and reinstate the flagpole of the premises, facing the old pontoon.
The grant scheme is a joint project between Historic England and North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from ABP and the council’s regeneration partner Equans.
Simon Bird, ABP regional director for the Humber, said: “It’s great to see another business taking on a building to bring it back to life. The Kasbah is emerging as a vibrant place and with the repair work being carried out it’s becoming an attractive area for people to move their businesses to.”
The building, which until March last year had been operated by George Herd, will re-open as the Black Gull Cafe. It’s hoped it will be in time for the Heritage Open Day on Saturday, September 17.
Cllr Tom Furneaux, portfolio holder for tourism, heritage and culture at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We must look to a positive future for Grimsby and with the changes planned for our town centre and beyond, that will happen. In doing so, we must take our heritage with us where we are able – remembering where we have come from in order to grow. When we see schemes such as this, there is evidence that this is indeed happening. It is also a fantastic example of the council and its public sector partners working with businesses to successfully bring about change in one of our most historic and important areas.”
Louise Brennan, regional director for Historic England added: “I am delighted to see the start of the first repair scheme in the docks funded through the Heritage Action Zone. I am looking forward to the transformation of the historic docks with further projects scheduled for 2022 and 2023. Partnership working between public and private sector is key to regenerating this amazing place, with WE1 Group leading the way with the former Consolidated Fisheries building.”
The PSiCA grant scheme is open to businesses on the Kasbah or organisations that may be interested in moving to it. For more information contact Stella Jackson, Heritage Action Zone project manager, at HAZ@nelincs.gov.uk.
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