Grimsby Dock Tower repairs approved

The 94m tall structure has been shut to the public since the pandemic

Author: Ivan Morris Poxton, Local Democracy ReporterPublished 24th Jan 2025

Listed building consent has been given to repair works to the iconic Grimsby Dock Tower.

The 94m tall structure has been shut from the public since the pandemic. The plans include the ambition to reopen the 172-year-old tower to the public.

The Grade I-listed structure is the only one of its kind in the country. There will be a new permanent staircase installed from the ground floor to the lower balcony.

Key structural repairs will be made to the parapets, including a new safe walkway surface and safety barriers. Defective brickwork will also be replaced, and there is to be drainage work and new internal lighting installed as well.

An ABP spokesperson told the LDRS: “We are pleased to have received Listed Building Consent for the Dock Tower. The next step will be to carefully review the plan and programme of works to move forward effectively.

“These works will be a long term conservation programme.” When ABP announced the repair plans in August, it was stated the eventual hope was to open the Dock Tower to the public for tours annually to the top.

Grimsby Dock Tower was completed on March 27, 1852 to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks. Its height was to achieve the sufficient pressure needed to operate the machines. It was officially opened by Queen Victoria in October 1854.

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