Grimsby Docks is set to bask in a bright new dawn as a solar pavilion becomes the latest plan in a series of sweeping regeneration proposals. The driving force behind these ambitious plans is site owner and industrialist, Tom Shutes, whose firm GY 1900 Ltd has already secured planning permission to breathe new life into the local Ice Factory. His vision for a 1,000 capacity live venue and a 161-bed hotel has already been given the green light.
But it’s not all about entertainment and hospitality. The docks are also poised to become a beacon for green energy. Shutes has submitted plans to install solar power facilities, including a solar pavilion on the refurbished Henderson’s Jetty, which could generate between 70 to 80 MWh annually. This innovative project is part of a wider strategy to create a renewable energy hub.
Complementing these plans, a potential 1,350 solar panels may soon sprout on vacant land between Murray Street and Fish Dock No. 2, promising an annual output of 530 – 550 MWh. Even the Fish Dock itself could soon be home to floating solar panels.
Speaking on the initiative, Shutes noted, ‘Our solar infrastructure will ensure a supply of green, low-cost energy for our new tenants for the next 25 years. This means that the new spaces in our port estate will effectively be carbon negative.’
The solar pavilion itself is expected to cover two-thirds of the refurbished jetty, providing a sheltered outdoor space in line with the anticipated changes and increased public access to the dock area.
Meanwhile, other planning applications in North East Lincolnshire include a prospective application for four homes in Healing and a retrospective application for a restaurant in Freeman Street, Grimsby. The latter is intended to replace a former café and will seat 28 customers, subject to planning permission.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
