Derelict ice factory on Europe’s ‘most at risk’ list

A derelict ice factory in Grimsby has featured on a list of European buildings most at risk of being lost.

Heritage organisation Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute have announced the most threatened heritage sites in Europe for 2018.

The Grimsby Ice Factory is understood to be the oldest ice factory in the UK.

Designed by the engineer W. F. Cott, the factory dates from 1900 and is arguably the most prominent physical reminder of Grimsby’s fishing and maritime heritage, the largest fishing port in the world at the start of the 20th century.

Europa Nostra said: “The factory has been in a state of serious decline since its closure in 1990. The roof is now severely damaged allowing water into the interiors, and much of its metal work and electrical fittings have been stolen. Moreover, there have been threats of demolition. The factory has remained in private ownership. A mixed use development proposal initiated by the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust, estimated to potentially create upwards of 125 jobs, has so far been unsuccessful in securing funding, resulting in the future of the Ice Factory remaining uncertain.”

The ice factory is listed alongside 17th Century churches in Albania, a monastery in Georgia, Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria and Vienna’s historic centre.

Plácido Domingo, president of Europa Nostra, said: “This newest list of 7 Most Endangered comprises rare treasures of Europe’s cultural heritage that are in danger of being lost. The local communities are deeply committed to preserving these important examples of our shared heritage but need broader European support. I therefore call on local, regional, national and European stakeholders, both public and private, to join forces to secure a viable future for these sites.”

The Ice Factory’s nomination was made by SAVE Britain’s Heritage.

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