Conservation repair work has begun on the Alfred Enderby Smokehouse on the Port of Grimsby which includes reinstatement of historic features.
The building listed as a Grade II structure, is one of the few remaining smokehouses in the area which still uses the geographically protected cold-smoking method. The work is being funded by a PSiCA (Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas) heritage grant worth £121,490, awarded earlier this year.
The PSiCA is being delivered as part of the Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone. The 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.
Other key works planned to the building include repairing and reinstating the traditional chimney cowls, reinstating traditional cast iron rainwater goods, constructing a new wooden loading bay on the first floor, and re-signwriting the advert on the side of the building using traditional sign writing. This is being done by Sam Delaney of Creative Start Arts in Health CIC.
Simon Bird, regional director of the Humber ports, said: “It’s great to see work happening on the Port of Grimsby to revitalise these historic buildings. This smokehouse has been a landmark for many years and it’s right to see its unique character being restored, as part of instilling pride in the Kasbah.”
Patrick Salmon, MD of Enderbys, said: “We’ve been wanting to do these repairs for a long time, but just haven’t had the opportunity to date, so it is great to see the work underway to secure the building for years to come.”
North East Lincolnshire Council cabinet member for tourism, heritage and culture, Cllr Tom Furneaux, said: “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 this project to restore these historic premises start feels like a real milestone.
“The Kasbah is a unique place, and we must continue to 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. Some of that change will come if we can find ways of working with people and businesses like Enderby’s who can help support that change.”
David Walsh, Historic England lead for Grimsby HAZ, said: “It is very exciting to see work starting at Alfred Enderby’s smokehouse. Supporting local businesses is crucial to successful regeneration in the historic port. We are delighted to provide a grant to Enderbys as part of the Grimsby Heritage Action Zone along with partners North East Lincolnshire Council and Associated British Ports.”
Old maps show this building was originally constructed as a smithy between 1896 and 1905, but between 1917 and 1928 was converted to fish curing and has remained so ever since. Alfred Enderby Ltd is one of four companies which form the Grimsby Traditional Fish Smokers Group, which received EU recognition for its method.
The PSiCA grant scheme is open to businesses on the Kasbah on the Port of Grimsby or organisations that may be interested in moving to this conservation area.
