Famous Grade I listed Dock Tower in Grimsby could reopen to public under restoration plans

The Grade I listed structure owned by Associated British Ports (ABP) is the only one of its kind in the country and the planned work will include structural repairs on the parapets and a new staircase.

If approved by North East Lincolnshire Council, work could start on the building later this year in the hope it can reopen to the public.

Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “The Dock Tower is the jewel in the Port of Grimsby. It has been a beacon to so many over the years and it is a symbol of home. As its custodians we have over the years spent time and money maintaining it, as it has such architectural historic value, and will be here for many more years to come once these essential works are carried out.”

Standing 309 feet (94.2m) tall to the top of the lantern, the tower was completed in 1852 to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks.

It was built by James Meadows Rendel, the civil engineer who constructed the docks at Grimsby between 1844 and 1853. The docks were opened by Queen Victoria when she visited the port in October 1854. It was designed by James William Wild, an architect born in Lincoln, who also contributed to the Great Exhibition of 1851 and spent several years in Egypt.

Jenny Bulmer, Conservation Engineer of Alan Wood & Partners said: “Opportunities to work on such a unique and historically significant building as this come about rarely.

"Being able to discover some of the building archaeology and the history of its use throughout the process is a real privilege.

"Seeing the tower brought back to life with a renewed purpose is something we can all look forward to.”