Ice factory placed on global risk list

Grimsby Ice Factory, described as a “unique” survivor of the Victorian industrial age, is one of only four UK sites listed on the 2014 World Monuments Watch.

Along with Battersea Power Station, Deptford Dockyard, and Sulgrave Manor in Northamptonshire, it joins a diverse group of 67 sites from 41 countries and territories, including the city of Venice, the Ancient Irrigated Terraces of Battir outside Bethlehem, and thousands of traditional gas lamps in Berlin.

Dr Jonathan Foyle, chief executive of World Monuments Fund Britain, said: “Change is inevitable, but it needs to be carefully managed so that we carry the best of the past into the future, and minimise the destruction of our record as a species.

“So we invite everyone to join us in supporting the champions of special places that need a helping hand to stay useful and beautiful.”

The Grimsby structure, which is grade II* listed, is the earliest and largest known surviving ice factory in the world, and the sole example from the period retaining its machinery.