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An empty Georgian building in the centre of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is to be renovated as part of a wider regeneration scheme for the town. Lincolnshire Live reports that the building in Market Place will have a new façade of like for like materials, to replicate its original appearance.
The building is the former office of the Gainsborough Standard newspaper, and is Grade II listed. It was constructed in the early 18th century, and retains a Georgian and Victorian façade. It will now be converted into three flats, with a commercial space on the ground floor.
The specialist restoration work will be carried out by a team from Lindum Joinery, who will work carefully to carry out the plans created by Latham Architects. Careful research was carried out to make sure the work was sympathetic to the original design and materials of the building.
Jonathan Lee, townscape heritage officer at West Lindsey District Council said: “It is wonderful that such a prominent listed building, standing empty and in a poor condition for so long, is benefitting from a major restoration funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Levelling Up Fund and the council.”
He added: “Lindum Joinery has undertaken the restoration of traditional timber work in historic windows, shutters and internal fittings, as well as the recreation of the traditional design of the timber shopfront, with real skill and attention to detail.”
Scaffolding has been erected to inspect the brick and stonework, which was found to be in a poor condition and in need of repointing. The interior of the building has also been stripped out, and plasterboard with replica mouldings and skirting boards have been installed.
The building has been empty for several years, after being purchased by West Lindsey District Council in 2016. They have received funding for the restoration work from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Lindum joiner, Robert Lomax, said: “I started by going over the drawings sent by Lathams and looking at all the measurements. Then I went over to the site to make sure everything was coming up right and the measurements were accurate, as it’s always better to get a look in person, rather than just go off drawings.”
He added: “I thought I’d start with the windows as everything wraps around them, so you’ve got a good starting point. It also gives you a good idea of the sizes, and if anything is off then you can work around it much easier.”
The work is part of a wider heritage masterplan for Gainsborough, which is described in the plans as an attractive and vibrant market town, and the surrounding areas. The plans acknowledge the need for substantial housing growth in the region, while also conserving the unique character and history of the district.
The plans were drawn up following a comprehensive survey of the current condition of the town, to identify those areas most at risk.
