Oiling the wheels of fish dock relocation...

HOW do you solve a problem like an antiquated fish dock?
Andrew Lloyd Webber had the right idea, go public. And now the private businessmen behind a new plan for the dock estate have revealed their intentions for a still-thriving part of Grimsby’s food economy.
Intention from all parties has abounded for sometime now, it pre-dates my arrival at the Telegraph, let alone the business desk.
And while it is a commercially sensitive subject, and I appreciate this, all the work is being done behind closed doors.
This bold move by QA and its clients may encourage a more publicly angled decision-making process. And while we accept the council is there to represent us, it would be helpful if there was chance to explore public opinion on THE issue for an area of the town that has left a legacy that has touched us all.
The publication of these plans is a major step, in which direction I am not completely sure, but a step nonetheless.
But location, location, location is the key issue, and time is a significant factor too.
Traditionalists will argue that a major part of the fishing industry should stay on the fish docks. Others will point to the fact that such a high percentage of it is ‘landed’ in containers and aeroplanes from Iceland that ease of road transport should be the key factor.
Access is certainly an issue in Grimsby. With a weak bridge one way into the docks and the need to cross the railway line at the other, there are major infrastructure issues for long-term sustainability.
But on the flip side, Grimsby’s most successful export Young’s Seafood, stands proudly on Grimsby fish docks and will not be budging any time soon.
Europarc has a strong food manufacturing base already, and plans for a Humber Seafood Institute – itself not without location controversy – have been passed by the local authority for Europarc.
Both schemes have their obvious benefits and challenges and both will need financial support from the regional development agency to prosper.
What is clear is that this has gone on long enough, and if this helps make the process more open and pushes it higher up the agendas of all involved, then transparency is a good thing. A unified approach, whatever the decision, is vital. To ensure it happens in Grimsby is paramount.