SharePlans to save Grimsby Ice Factory
An irreplaceable piece of industrial refrigeration history is endangered
The Grimsby Ice Factory was built in 1901 and is a sole surviving example of an ice-making factory of its kind, with its equipment, in particular the oldest J&E Hall refrigeration compressors of their type still intact and in place. At its peak, it produced 1100 tons of ice per day and helped to make Grimsby the largest fishing port in the world.
The factory ceased production in 1990, and was shortly after granted Grade II status by English Heritage and thereby protected from any immediate possibility of demolition. It is understood to be the earliest and now the only remaining ice factory in the UK and an irreplaceable piece of industrial refrigeration history, according to the Grimsby Ice Factory Trust (GGIFT) which was set up by a group of local people to secure its future. In October 2010, it was named one of the Top Ten Endangered Buildings for 2010 by the Victorian Society.
An appraisal of the existing structure and conservation by Alan Baxter & Associates LLP, with Richard Griffiths Architects, and KMCS (cost consultant) evaluated temporary works at GBP 1 516 000 (1 768 826 €) and full repair at GBP 4 750 000 (5 543 639 €). GGIFT proposes that the Ice Factory refurbishment project should take place within the context of a working dock and a revitalized urban neighbourhood (east Marsh and Riby Square), with improved accessibility and the original building also housing an international arts venue, an indoor climbing wall, a renewable-education education centre, a microbrewery and a Pub/restaurant.
The factory ceased production in 1990, and was shortly after granted Grade II status by English Heritage and thereby protected from any immediate possibility of demolition. It is understood to be the earliest and now the only remaining ice factory in the UK and an irreplaceable piece of industrial refrigeration history, according to the Grimsby Ice Factory Trust (GGIFT) which was set up by a group of local people to secure its future. In October 2010, it was named one of the Top Ten Endangered Buildings for 2010 by the Victorian Society.
An appraisal of the existing structure and conservation by Alan Baxter & Associates LLP, with Richard Griffiths Architects, and KMCS (cost consultant) evaluated temporary works at GBP 1 516 000 (1 768 826 €) and full repair at GBP 4 750 000 (5 543 639 €). GGIFT proposes that the Ice Factory refurbishment project should take place within the context of a working dock and a revitalized urban neighbourhood (east Marsh and Riby Square), with improved accessibility and the original building also housing an international arts venue, an indoor climbing wall, a renewable-education education centre, a microbrewery and a Pub/restaurant.