THE future of a historic ice factory was discussed at a public meeting in Grimsby but plans have been put on ice until a feasibility study next year.
The former Grimsby Ice Company building stands derelict but for 90 years, was a vital tool producing ice for the Grimsby fishing industry.

The Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society gathered interested parties together for the town hall meeting on September 24, including English Heritage and site owners Associated British Ports.

Recognising that the Grade II listed building is at 'immediate risk of further rapid deterioration', English Heritage is keen to save the factory and preserve what it recognises as the last surviving examples of early 20th century refrigeration equipment. This includes a number of giant 1930s vintage J&E Hall four-cylinder ammonia compressors in the plant room.
Developers seeking to regenerate the site, have found the preservation order on the ice factory is a hindrance to their plans.

Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell present at the talks, was reported by Grimsby Telegraph as telling the gathered audience that restoring the factory was not a realistic proposition.

However, the leader of the North East Lincolnshire council Andrew De Freitas told the audience the council would be in favour of saving the factory but could not commit to a scheme until the results of a feasibility study came out early next year.