A Grade II listed former maltings in Grimsby’s town centre is being transformed into the Horizon Youth Zone, marking a new chapter for one of the area’s oldest industrial landmarks.
The building, once home to the renowned Sandars malt company, dates back to the early 1800s. Originally established as part of the Gainsborough-based family business, Sandars & Co operated at West Haven Maltings from 1829 to 1922. The site later became part of Pauls and Sandars, a major name in British malt until economic downturns in the 1970s led to widespread closures, including the Grimsby premises in the 1990s.
Over the years, the complex has seen many uses — from a sawmill and cake warehouse to a glove factory and billiards hall. The neighbouring Migar House, formerly known as Number 2 Grain Warehouse, also played host to a range of trades before suffering fire damage in 2009.
Situated along Garth Lane beside the River Freshney, the maltings once benefited from direct access to key waterways linking Grimsby to regional trade routes.
The redeveloped space will soon reopen as a state-of-the-art youth centre serving North East Lincolnshire, blending the site’s industrial heritage with a modern community purpose.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
