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Grimsby Ice Factory

Grimsby Ice Factory

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Many post-industrial towns in the UK have seen an economic decline in recent decades as trade and related jobs in these areas have fallen into obsoletion or moved abroad. Grimsby, a once bustling seaport town boasting the former largest fishing fleet in the world, has struggled since retiring its fishing boats. The maritime identity that once made Grimsby a household name across Europe is now in a state of much-needed renewal.

With plans to gentrify much of the town, £20 million has been invested into the town centre; planning and construction of countless new homes; a 300,000 square foot regeneration of the retired fishing docks including a public swimming pool; not to mention a brand new 161 bed hotel and redevelopment of the Grimsby Ice Factory transforming this historic landmark into an alluring new national theatre, giving a renewed purpose to what was once a centrepiece of Grimsby’s past

Now one of Europe’s most endangered buildings, the Grade II listed Ice Factory led the ice industry in the early-mid 1900’s producing 1,500 tonnes of ice per day to support the world’s largest fishing seaport.

Now long since retired, the Great Grimsby Ice Factory is set for a complete overhaul, transforming this historic structure into a multifunctional hub that blends the old with the new and is poised to become the UK’s capital for renewables and green maritime. The revamped facility will feature specially designed spaces for offices, R&D, and an innovation centre, topped off with a conference and exhibition centre capable of hosting events for up to 1,000 people.

Project Details

Services Provided

Engineering Design, Structural Engineering

Sector

Commercial - Hotel & Leisure

Struktura Involvement

Struktura Engineering Services has played a pivotal role in this landmark project. Appointed by Gallaway Construction Limited, Struktura’s responsibilities included the design of temporary works, conducting visual and survey inspections, and performing a Matterport scan to create detailed 3D models of the building. These tasks were essential to ensuring the structural stability and precise planning required for the successful regeneration of the Ice Factory.

In undertaking the project, Struktura focussed initially on the temporary floor design for the ground floor of the North Building. In March, 2024, a thorough visual inspection was conducted, carefully assessing the building’s condition from safely accessible floor levels. This inspection revealed that while the main support steelwork exhibited minor corrosion, it remained largely intact. However, the secondary steel framework showed significant delamination and was deemed unsuitable for reuse.

To address these findings, Struktura recommended the installation of new sub-floor supports using high-grade timbers, designed to current British standards. Detailed calculations and designs for these supports were meticulously documented, ensuring that the temporary works would effectively stabilise the structure during the renovation process.

Balancing the Old and the New

One of the primary challenges faced during the project was balancing the preservation of the Ice Factory’s historical integrity with the need for modern functionality. Struktura’s design solutions carefully navigated this balance, preserving key historical features while giving the building a newfound identity. The deteriorated state of the ex-factory required thorough temporary designs to prevent further damage.

Incorporating technology, such as the aforementioned Matterport scans, enabled precise and efficient planning. These detailed digital twins provided invaluable insights into the building’s condition, reducing the risk of unforeseen issues and facilitating smoother project execution.

The Future of Grimsby

The successful regeneration of the Great Grimsby Ice Factory is set to bring numerous benefits to the local community and beyond. Economically, the renewal promises to create 600 jobs which alongside Grimsby’s other developments, will offer thousands of new career opportunities. Culturally, the project honours Grimsby’s industrial heritage, preserving a significant historical site while repurposing it for contemporary use. Furthermore, the new facilities will support cutting-edge research, development, and innovation in renewable energy, positioning Grimsby as a leader in these vital sectors.

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