Consent sought to restore historic dock tower

The Grade I listed structure owned by Associated British Ports is the only one of its kind in the UK and the work will include key structural repairs on the parapets, building of a new staircase, and drainage.

If approved by North East Lincolnshire Council, work could start on the historical structure later this year in the hope it can reopen to the public.

Simon Bird, regional director of the Humber ports said that the Dock Tower was the jewel in the Port of Grimsby. “It has been a beacon to so many over the years and for Grimbarians it is a symbol of home,” he said.

“As its custodians we have over the years spent time and money maintaining it, as it has such architectural historic value, and will be here for many more years to come once these essential works are carried out.”

Standing 94.2m tall to the top of the lantern, the tower was completed in 1852 to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks.

Designed by James William Wild, it was built by James Meadows Rendel, the civil engineer who constructed the docks at Grimsby, and opened by Queen Victoria when she visited the port in October 1854.

The current plans submitted include:

• Insertion of a new staircase
• Installation of internal lighting
• Brickwork repairs
• Metalwork repairs
• Paintwork
• Roofing
• Floor repairs
• Drainage
• Interpretation panels