What next for historic (but woefully dilapidated) buildings on Grimsby's Eleanor Street?

The buildings have a distinguished past - but now they are in dire disrepair

AN in-depth report into future options for three historic buildings along Grimsby’s Eleanor Street is under review by  North East Lincolnshire Council.

The authority is now considering the ‘options appraisal’ into the possible future of Numbers 5, 7 and 9.

One is the Grade II listed former art college, and the whole site sits within the Holme Hill Conservation area.

The properties are privately owned, but it was NELC and Historic England which last summer commissioned the appraisal following issues with vandalism, intruders and arson.

The authority is now examining the comprehensive report, which was carried out by Property Regeneration experts Aspinall Verdi along with a team including architects, engineers, and cost consultants.

The council will engage with the owner (whose identity has not been divulged) and stakeholders, not least Historic England.

It is understood the report contains recommendations, but, for the time being, these are being kept under wraps.

Doing nothing is not said to be one of the options.

Says NELC: "The report looks at what could be achieved with regards to grant awards, along with examining the financial implications surrounding the buildings’ future use. 

"It does reference demolition, but due to the structures’ historic importance, it is unlikley that Historic England would  consider this option in advance of greater consideration of potential uses for the preserved structures."

Pending a way forward being found, a further security study of the site has been commissioned and received by Historic England, in conjunction with North East Lincolnshire Council, and shared with the landowner. 

Recommendations around urgent safety works to secure the site, protect the buildings and reduce risk to people are set out within it.

Comments NELC leader, Cllr Philip Jackson: "We hope that we can reach a conclusion and move forward.

"This is what we seek, not least for the benefit of the residents around Eleanor Street who have suffered in the wake of issues created by these buildings and their worsening state of repair.

"Whilst these buildings are privately owned, the council will do all it can to work with the relevant parties to find solutions."