City of Lincoln Council in partnership with Historic England is celebrating its first historic shopfront restoration in the city, which has seen a Lincolnshire Co-op building transformed.
As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which saw the city council receive a successful bid for funding of £1.68 million in April 2020, the city council has created a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover its rich history.
Included in this is plans to revitalise Lincoln’s historic shopfronts to bring them back to their former glory.
The first shopfront to be restored is owned by Lincolnshire Co-op and can be located on 8-10 St Mary’s Street.
Ursula Lidbetter, CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op said: “It’s been a fascinating project to look at historic photos, and research the history of these buildings, to inform the planning of their restoration.
“Working in partnership with City of Lincoln Council and Historic England has brought together funding and expertise to secure the future of these special buildings in the city for us all to enjoy.”
Commercial property tenants, business owners and landlords within the designated HSHAZ area may be eligible for a non-repayable grant of up to 90% for restoration, shop front refurbishment and/or change of use.
If successful, as part of the HSHAZ, owners will be supported by an experienced team of professionals to deliver a bespoke, high quality sympathetic restoration and refurbishment to preserve the building and add maximum curb-appeal.
Property improvements will include, but are not limited to, repairs, reinstating lost features, and making buildings suitable for new use.
Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Historic Environment Advocate at City of Lincoln Council said: “There are many unique heritage aspects and locations within Lincoln that need to be preserved so that Lincoln’s special character is maintained, and that includes its shopfronts.
“We are happy to see the first of what we hope to be many shopfronts restored to their former glory in the city.
“By restoring, revitalising and refurbishing these historic shopfronts, it not only helps us to protect heritage in our city, but also aids us in continuing to make Lincoln a great place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”
David Walsh, Principal Advisor at Historic England added: “We are delighted to see the first HSHAZ shopfront restoration being completed, including the repair and refurbishment of the whole building.
“We congratulate the Lincolnshire Co-op and the council on this successful project which will aid the post-Covid recovery of the city.”
For more information and register your interest in shopfront restoration, visit: lincoln.gov.uk/high-street-heritage-action-zone or email HAZ@lincoln.gov.uk