Located on the former site of Grimsby’s oldest docks, the buildings have been restored, refurbished and extended to create a space where young people can discover new passions and learn skills.
Our funding has helped save the last remaining industrial building linking the historic waterfront to the town. Once in disrepair, it has been repurposed into a modern, accessible space while preserving its important heritage.
The former warehouse and grain store now features a wide range of facilities, including:
- a climbing wall
- a music room with built-in recording studio
- a performing arts space
- a maker zone with 3D printing equipment
- sports amenities, such as a 3G kick pitch, boxing gym and sports hall
Heritage-led transformation
The Youth Zone now has 4,523 members from every ward in the borough. Bailey, a member of the Young People's Development Group, says: “Walking into the building is honestly incredible. Years worth of work seems to finally be complete. I feel proud. Honoured. Like a new chapter of the youth zone is finally happening.”
Steven Henry, Engagement Manager for the North, said: “We’re proud to support projects that turn disused historic buildings into something really useful. This sort of regeneration helps boost local economy and build a sense of pride in place for those who live and work across the area.”
Involving young people in heritage
Young people have been at the heart of the project and involved in key decisions, including choosing the name ‘Horizon’ and the design of the branding. The logo incorporates Grimsby dock tower, showing the importance of the town to the young people involved. They also took part in heritage activities such as creating a time capsule and their own heritage tours.
Jake, a Beyond Collective group member, told us that he wasn’t interested in heritage before the project, saying: “Now I want to know what was before my time, what created Grimsby and the buildings here. Before this project, I just thought this place was a rundown, abandoned building that wasn’t important to Grimsby at all.”
Our Heritage Enterprise programme supports projects that seek to achieve economic growth by investing in heritage. Find out more about how we’re protecting built heritage at-risk.
