Grade II-listed granary warehouses redesigned as sports and lesiure complex aimed at young people
John Puttick Associates has completed Horizon Youth Zone, a new campus created from disused Victorian maltings and warehouses in Grimsby.
The architecture firm designed the L-shaped site, which sits adjacent to the River Freshney, as a series of refurbished and new purpose-built spaces where young people can gather and engage in activities such as boxing and climbing.
The series of Victorian structures lining the River Freshney were rebuilt and restored, while the charcoal-grey sawtooth sports hall, full-height climbing wall, performance space and teaching kitchen were provided in a 1,115sq m new addition.
A café and arts and crafts activity rooms also form part of the new hub alongside specialist facilities such as an inclusion room for those with complex sensory needs and a hygiene suite for severely disabled young people.
There is also an outdoor area with a football pitch, skate zone and raised planters.
Lucy Ottewell-Key, chief executive at Horizon Youth Zone, said: “For many people in Grimsby, we were used to seeing a derelict site in the heart of our town centre. Now, thanks to the incredible construction work, this historic building gets to have a new lease of life and live on for future generations.
“This project has been a perfect blend of old and new, bringing our heritage to the forefront and providing a safe and inclusive space for the children and young people of North East Lincolnshire.”
The site’s existing grade II-listed granary warehouses were originally constructed in 1821 and later converted into a maltings, producing ‘Sanders’ malt by the 1960s. Over the years, the buildings also served as a billiards hall, sawmill, cake and seed warehouse and box factory before closing in the 1990s.
Charlotte Ireson, associate at John Puttick Associates, said: “Horizon Youth Zone allowed us to balance heritage conservation with modern facilities. From the triple-height social space to the outdoor kick pitch, it’s wonderful to see young people interacting with the building and enjoying it fully. By blending historic architecture with bold contemporary design, we aim to create a vibrant destination where young people feel a genuine sense of ownership and connection.”
John Puttick Associates first partnered with the youth charity OnSide in 2015, winning a competition to design a new youth zone opposite Preston bus station, which is currently on-site and due to complete in 2026.
Project team
- Architect John Puttick Associates
- Client Horizon Youth Zone
- Conservation Architect Seven Architecture
- Structural engineer Ramboll and Craddys
- M&E consultant TACE
- QS Walker Sime
- Project manager Walker Sime
- Main contractor Hobson & Porter
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