BaR News Round up October 2023

This month we bring you news from the east: Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Kent and Norfolk plus a couple of interesting buildings we have been notified that are for sale. Our update stories this month include the proposals for Great Grimsby Ice Factory, a new start for some public toilets, the hole in the roof of one of the most impressive cinemas in the country and enforcement action in Leicestershire.

Grimsby Ice Factory, Gorton Street, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN31 3NE

As of early September 2023, new plans have been submitted to convert the Grimsby Ice Factory into offices, an event space, a restaurant, and a bar. This grade II* listed Ice Factory, erected mainly in 1900-1901 with an extension factory of 1907-8, is thought to be the earliest surviving ice factory in Britain, and the sole survivor from this period to retain its machinery.  After its closure in 1990, the factory’s condition deteriorated, and so these plans to bring the building back into use are a welcome development. Developer Tom Shutes hopes this impressive industrial space can become a centre for ‘clean energy’ in the UK.

West Haven Maltings, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, DN31 1RS

This summer, work commenced on the conversion of the industrial West Haven Maltings into a Youth Centre known as the ‘Horizon Youth Zone’. West Haven was Grimsby’s early port before the dock extensions were created to the north from 1800 onwards. The restoration of the late 18th century Maltings and adjoining warehouses will create a safe space for young people in Grimsby. Led by the national charity OnSide who partnered with North East Lincolnshire Council, this promising development is forecast to open in 2025.

North Range of St Mary’s Guildhall, Lincoln, LN5 7SH

There is exciting news for the Grade I listed and Scheduled Ancient Monument, St Mary’s Guildhall in Lincoln. After sitting disused for many years, the North Range of this fascinating and ancient building is receiving some much needed attention with financial help from Historic England through the ‘High Street Heritage Action Zone’ with a grant of £245,459 and a further £228,130 through the ‘Regional Repair Grant Programme’. This will ensure the building is structurally sound and ready for the next phase of its life, hopefully in the form of a sustainable future and suitable new use.

The Lawrence Factory, Gladstone Street, Desborough, Northamptonshire, NN4 2QT - FOR SALE

Built in the 1830s this unlisted building served as a shoe factory, one of the main industries in the town.  It is unlisted but stands in a conservation area.  With a long planning history and an escape from demolition and redevelopment as a supermarket, this site has most recently been discussed as being able to accommodate housing. Now it is appears that its owners have put it on the market as a development opportunity. Click here to read the particulars.

The Old Fire Station, 8 Mill Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex CO14 8PE

Built around 1880 this distinctive small building has great character with a high arched pitch roof and tall Dutch gable front. It was designed as a fire station and housed a horse-drawn appliance crewed by volunteers from the local community. After closing as a fire station in around 1947 it was converted in the 1950s into a public convenience and served locals and visitors in that capacity until it was closed some years ago. Now there is news that a change of use has been approved which will see it converted to a furniture workshop, continuing its varied but highly useful life.

The State Cinema, George Street, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM17 6LZ

This important grade II* cinema was built in 1938.  It is huge and lavishly decorated inside but it has been empty for years and most recently was to be converted to a pub by Wetherspoons.  In 2022 the pub chain announced that they were pulling out.

The cinema is boarded up with signs inviting interested parties to contact Savills.  In November 2022, the Theatres Trust and Cinema Theatres Association wrote to Thurrock Council requesting action be taken to address the gaping hole in the roof. The building is on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.  In updating this entry we have also written to Thurrock Council to ask what is being done to protect this gem.

Bradgate Stables, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0FA

Built in the Jacobean style in 1856 by M.J.Dain, this wonderful grade II* listed structure was once stables and kennels for the 7th Earl of Stamford, Master of the Quorn Hunt 1856 - 63, to accommodate his 47 horses and pack of hounds.  Its future has been in question for years.  In March 2023 an Urgent Works Notice was approved by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. The cost of the works were estimated at £300,000 and the Council were supported with a 80% grant from Historic England.  The Council will seek to recover the costs of the work from the owner and Historic England's grant will be reimbursed if this is achieved.

FOR SALE

Greenland Fishery Building, Bridge Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk

We spotted this grade II* listed building on a recent trip to Kings Lynn to look at buildings that are on our register and to meet the conservation team.  This is an early 17th century merchants house located near to the River Ouse.  Originally a grand house, it has had many uses over the years, being brought back from dereliction in the early 20th century and then again by the Kings Lynn Building Preservation Trust in the late 1990s.  At this time, fragments of Jacobean wall painting were revealed and conserved. The house has been let as a residential unit and an office by the trust but it is now up for sale.  Click here for the particulars. 

The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Shefford, Bedfordshire

We have just been notified that this handsome grade II listed former rectory has been put on the market.  It is not on our at risk register yet and it is clearly looking for buyers who will carefully restore it and do justice to its character and history.  It stands imposingly in the centre of this Bedfordshire village. 

Click here for the link to the particulars.

St James Church, Hyndburn, Accrington, Lancashire

With a tower dating from the late medieval period, a Georgian Nave and a Victorian Chancel, this grade II* church has a lovely setting in a large burial ground which runs to the banks of a canal with open countryside beyond.  The church retains its interior and the listing entry mentions “2 Morris windows”.  It is on the market for £75,000 with flexibility as to how much of the burial ground is included.  Click here to go to the particulars. 

Our thanks to SPAB for bringing this to our attention.