The unique nature of the Kasbah area of Grimsby docks was designated the Kasbah Conservation Area in 2017 in recognition of its distinctively special character and unique industrial buildings relating to the fishing industry, with a focus on smokehouses.

Alan Baxter Ltd is a multi-disciplinary practice with a wealth of skills to draw on, including heritage professionals, urban designers, landscape architects, civil and structural engineers, and transport planners and is working with the council on the future of this very special area. 

Al Eggeling of Baxter’s heritage team explained: “The Kasbah Conservation Area Management Plan will be unique. It will not just be about preserving the unique smokeries and buildings of the world’s greatest fishing port but rather it will be about managing change: enabling a thriving, heritage-led regeneration of this unique town-within-a-town.

"Getting the input of current businesses, local people in Grimsby and heritage stakeholders will be critical to provide a consensus for future decisions in the Kasbah, and continued stewardship of the conservation area long after the Heritage Action Zone projects come to an end,” she continued.

David Walsh, Principal Adviser at Historic England, said: “The Kasbah is seeing new hope in 2022 with works starting on a number of Heritage Action Zone projects and new businesses coming to the area. The conservation area management plan will provide a strategic approach and action plan to help tackle the challenges the historic dock faces now and in the future, including the poor condition of many buildings and low occupancy rates. Historic England is delighted that this vital work is underway.”

Simon Bird, Director of ABP Humber and LEP Director, who also led the successful Humber freeport bid, and said: “We look forward to seeing the Kasbah Conservation Management Plan and how it will celebrate the distinctive sense of place within this part of the operational port in Grimsby. Alan Baxter Ltd have a strong record in heritage buildings and the right skills in order to deliver the vision, and ABP Humber look forward to working with them on the transformation of this unique space.”

The Conservation Area Management Plan will be developed through 2022, with a final report on the best way to manage the historic buildings on the Kasbah delivered later in the year.