Funding deadline in battle to save historic ice factory

The Grimsby Docks Ice Factory Trust has until the end of April to find £2,500 that will go towards a £10,000 options appraisal.

A number of mixed uses for the landmark former ice factory have already been identified, including an art gallery, cinema, restaurant, microbrewery, conference space and cafe, and the study would explore these options in detail.

Trust secretary Graeme Bassett said: “The Ice Factory has been derelict since 1990. If we can make the options appraisal happen it will be the biggest step forward in years.”

The building is Grade II* listed, placing it within the top 10 per cent of the most important historic buildings in England.

Along with the historic dock area which surrounds it, it has been described by English Heritage as “the most important representation of the industrial scale fishing trade in England”.

But it has suffered from years of decay, theft and vandalism and has been placed on the Heritage at Risk register.

The factory, built in 1900-1901, was in use until 1990 and at its peak produced 1,100 tonnes of ice a day for use by fish merchants and on trawlers. It is now owned by Associated British Ports.

The project is being supported by the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Prince’s Regeneration Trust.

For details on how to support the trust visit www.grimsbyice.co.uk