Labour banishes the phrase “levelling up” – Fleet in Grimsby
Labour banishes the phrase “levelling up”
While many have expressed their dislike for the phrase, criticising it as a trite example of the characteristically un-grown up politics of recent times, few can argue that the need to address inequalities in the UK doesn’t persist. The Health Foundation reports that ‘Nearly 2 in 5 adults (18%) on the lowest incomes report having ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health, compared with 2 in 100 (1.7%) on the highest incomes’. Contrary to what many believe it’s not just a north south divide. Some of the most stark inequalities can actually be found in and around London and the South-east, with divides more closely aligned to areas beyond the metropolitan fringes where the new government will need to focus regardless of geography.
Yesterday we paid a visit to long ongoing project of ours, the heritage renovation of a pair of buildings within the ‘Kazbah’ dockside collection of the vestiges of Great Grimsby’s , great past. Grimsby is persistently records in the worst 10% of many poverty and deprivation measures in the UK.
Though the fishing industry has significantly declined the town is still the home fish processing, and a thriving fish market. Though it isn’t a fishy smell which you first notice in the warren of Victorian Steets annexed from the town proper. The docks boast a number of the most renowned fish smokers in the UK, with some still adhering to the process with protected geographical status, such as Alfred Enderby’s smoked Haddock. With the long faded grandeur, the Associated British Ports (ABP) imposed isolation and the oaky smell in the air, it’s an incredibly atmospheric place, and increasing attracts film crews.
One of the buildings we have been working on, starting in the pandemic and finishing in the wake of the cost of living crisis, is the Grade II listed Peterson’s smoke house. With all 10 of the cowls which enable the chimneys (‘ouses) to draw smoke, now lovingly restored, it will not be long before the building is smoking again. Our project and other ambitious ventures, like spectacular proposals to re-open the derelict ice factory as a venue and arts centre, the growth of north see wind, and plans to reopen the marina to the docks, will have an impact though, unfortunately, the amazing new stadium for the Mariners has been shelved. The disconnect of the docks from the town is an ongoing issue which needs to be challenged. Grimsby is not alone, after all Liverpool is only just awakening to the potential to address the river with Everton leading the way.
We paid a visit to Alfred Enderbys, as we always do, to catch up with Patrick Salmon (Yes!) and update him on the project. We also try to pick up some of his amazing smoked haddock and salmon to sneak back on the train. We served up the salmon on blinis to the office and the brewery, Five Points, who share the building with us. Enderby’s salmon really isn’t comparable to anything you will find in a supermarket and we urge you to pay them a visit, yes you can buy online, but you also get to explore the Kazbah. While new businesses are sprouting in this triangle of land which time ignored the more people who know about it, and pay a visit, the greater the momentum will be for it to regain its role in the greater prosperity of the town.
Quite a challenge for returning MP, Melanie Onn, and her landslide of colleagues, just don’t call it levelling up.
Fleet Team : Benedict Spry, Kai Xin Tan, Richard Henson, Jaime Bishop
Project Team : Bernie Bone of BB Heritage Studio, QED Structures, SWECO, YOU&ME
Thanks to project sponsors:
Historic England
Architectural Heritage Fund
Nation Lottery Heritage Fund
North East Lincolnshire Council
Associated British Ports