Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust

Source: The Great GIFT website

I learnt today that my good friend Stan, who roped me into my running had volunteered to Produce, and jointly Film and Direct a short documentary for the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust (Great GIFT), and you can view the video by clicking this link:  Great Grimsby Ice Factory Video.

Built in 1901, The Great Grimsby Ice Company Factory was set up to produce vast quantities of ice to send out with the fishing trawlers to preserve the fish and have it as fresh as can be upon their return.  Due to changes in techniques and industry, the factory downscaled, and eventually closed in 1990.  Shortly after, it was awarded the classification of a Grade II listed building, representing the importance of the size of Grimsby as a fishing port in the early 20th century, as well as still housing an early form of refrigeration that led to what we know today.

© copyright David Vinter and licensed for reuse

The problem is, as it is a Grade II building, it cannot be demolished.  In 2010 the Victorian Society identified the building as one of the nation's top 10 threatened buildings. As nothing is being done to it, it is beginning to show its age, and is a larger eyesore in the heart of Grimsby's docklands.

Proposals are there to regenerate the building, with suggestions such as an International Arts Venue; Climbing Wall; Renewable Education Hub; Pub & Microbrewery; Cinema, Theatre and Performance Space; to regenerating into the East Marsh area of the town as well.

The video also highlights that this is a project that the team behind Great GIFT want to do themselves, without relying upon local government funding.

Whatever comes of it, I remember driving past the building daily, taking my mother to work at Ross House in days of old, and even though it would be one massive project, it would be a shame to let a building that has been protected simply rot and crumble into its inevitable ruin.  It certainly cannot make the docklands area of Grimsby any worse either, and this is the towns history and culture.  If you want people to come and visit, you have to glorify your past.

If you wondered how the production of ice was performed there.  I found this interesting cartoon strip, that should give a brief summary.

© Graham Bleathman source: The Great GIFT