Repairs needed on listed Victorian dock tower

The Victorian tower was used to provide hydraulic power for the docks

Permission is being sought to carry out conservation work on a Grade I-listed building.

Grimsby Dock Tower needs "key structural repairs", its owner Associated British Ports (ABP) said.

Work would include repairs to the parapets, the building of a new staircase, floor repairs and drainage work.

The 309ft (about 95m) high tower was built in 1852 and used water stored in a giant tank to hydraulically power machinery in the port.

Simon Bird, of ABP, said the need for repairs was picked up during routine maintenance work.

“The Dock Tower is the jewel in the Port of Grimsby," Mr Bird said.

"It has been a beacon to so many over the years and for Grimbarians it is a symbol of home.

"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.”

The tower was built by James Meadows Rendel, the civil engineer who constructed the docks at Grimsby between 1844 and 1853.

It was officially opened by Queen Victoria when she visited the port in October 1854.

If approval is given by North East Lincolnshire Council, the work could begin later this year, ABP said.

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