The 'ice store atrium' will use existing roof supports. Credit: planning documents

Green light for Grimsby Ice Factory

9 January 2024 14:22 Neil Tague Comments (0)

Plans have been approved to bring 56,000 sq ft of offices along with events space to the historic site on Fish Dock Road.

According to the plans filed with North East Lincolnshire Council, applicant IF 1900, advised by DP9 Planning, wants to restore, alter and convert the Ice Factory North and South buildings to provide floorspace for all those uses.

The application also covers the construction of a new internal access road with servicing and delivery provision and public realm works, car, coach and cycle parking facilities and associated ancillary works.

IF 1900’s professional team includes Waugh Thistleton Architects, Waterman, Cundall, Vectos, IG9, Jon Lowe Heritage and landscape architect Urban Green.

As mapped out in the planning officers’ report, the predominant use would be as offices, but the applicant wishes to remain flexible. The proposed events space has the potential to cater for small, medium and large events from professional conferences and awards nights to music events, ranging from potentially 150 visitors to 1,000.

First floor office spaces are included in WTA’s design. Credit: planning documents

An extension is proposed to the south building to create a new entrance, with associated access. Additionally, two new bridges are proposed at first floor to connect the two buildings. An extension at roof level is proposed to the south building.

The Ice Factory is described as a dominant and imposing grade two*-listed building on Grimsby Docks, acting as a “beacon on the landscape” and reminder of the town’s storied former fishing industry.

In operation from 1900, the facility includes rare surviving examples of the ice-making process used to support the fishing activities on the dock. Former equipment including compressors will be retained.

In WTA’s design & access statement, the architect outlined how the site would be mapped out, with around 37,000 sq ft of the office space in the north building, with offices being introduced, for example, in the spaces formerly taken up by ice tanks.

Across the complex, around 23,000 sq ft is mapped out for events and retail & leisure space.

The site was acquired from Associated British Ports in 2021 by developer Tom Shutes, who controls IF 1900 – Shutes is also bringing forward a hotel project near to the Ice Factory site.

Plans can be viewed in full on NELC’s planning portal with the reference DM/0864/23/FUL.