A second project on Grimsby’s historic docks has received a heritage grant worth £121,490 to help them turn their plans into reality.
The Alfred Enderby Smokehouse has been awarded a grant to undertake conservation repairs and reinstate historic features at the key gateway building into the Kasbah area.
The building is listed as a Grade II structure, and is one of the few remaining smokehouses in the area which still uses the geographically protected cold-smoking method.
Old maps show this building was originally constructed as a smithy some time between 1896 and 1905, but at some point between 1917 and 1928 the building was converted to a fish curers and has remained so ever since.
Alfred Enderby Ltd is now one of four companies which form the Grimsby Traditional Fish Smokers Group, which has received EU recognition for its method.
As well as some general repairs, other works planned to the building include repairing and reinstating the traditional chimney cowls, reinstating traditional cast iron rainwater goods, and re-signwriting the advert on the side of the building.
Patrick Salmon, MD of Enderbys, said: “It’s great news that we can get help to restore this building to its former glory. It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but just haven’t had the opportunity to date. It will be great to see the work underway to secure the building for years to come.”
For those behind the PSiCA scheme and Grimsby’s current focus upon regeneration across other parts of the town, there is an understanding that whole communities must be embraced if the changes are to be successful in the long-term.
North East Lincolnshire Council Cabinet member for Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Cllr Callum Procter, said: “It’s really good to see this second grant awarded. Grimsby is known, and has a PGI in place for its smoked fish, and Enderby’s have led this work for many years. To see plans to expand and restore historic premises is great news, and I look forward to seeing the project materialise.
“The Kasbah is a unique place, and we must look at how to make it safe and welcoming to work in, so we can attract a variety of industries and people to use this area as a base to work. A large part of that change will come if we can find ways of working with people across our communities to improve wellbeing and life chances. The cultural work that is taking place will go towards achieving that, along with the support the work can give to local organisations,” he added.
David Walsh, Historic England Lead for Grimsby HAZ, said: “We are delighted that Enderby’s will receive funding from the grant scheme to repair this important historic building and reinstate missing features. Enderby’s have led the way as a successful business in the historic docks. Heritage led regeneration is key to creating a special and vibrant place in the Kasbah and we look forward to seeing more businesses making a success of it with support from the scheme.”
Simon Bird, Director of ABP Humber said: “Alfred Enderby Ltd is one of the few remaining traditional smokehouses on the port of Grimsby. It’s great to see this local business receive this heritage grant to invest in their future and continue to grow. It’s another fantastic step forward in regenerating the Kasbah.”
The grants are from the current heritage fund called “PSiCA” (Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas) being delivered as part of the Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone. The PSiCA scheme has a total pot of £1m, and is a joint project between Historic England and North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from ABP and the council’s regeneration partner EQUANS.
The PSiCA grant scheme is open to businesses on the Kasbah or organisations that may be interested in moving to this conservation area. Anyone interested should contact Stella Jackson, Heritage Action Zone Project Manager, at HAZ@nelincs.gov.uk.