City of Lincoln Council can confirm St Mary’s Guildhall has been awarded £228,130 from Historic England as part of its Regional Repair Grant programme.
This funding, which is in addition to the £247,343 already allocated to the building as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), will be used to complete restoration works at the grade I listed building.
The Regional Repair Grant funding will also be used to carry out a full re-roofing of the Norman House.
St Mary's Guildhall is also a scheduled monument and the principal structure along the High Street dates from 1157 and was once a major domestic building of the highest social status, possibly built as a royal residence for Henry II.
Later remodelling and construction over the years have resulted in a rear range comprising the 17th century Norman House and the 18th century North Range.
St Mary’s Guildhall was identified as a key project as part of the city council’s HSHAZ application, however, results of an initial structural survey and condition report conducted by specialists in February 2021 identified a far wider range of works required than those identified in the project plan, some as a matter of urgency to ensure structural stability.
Now funding has been granted, works are due for completion by March 2023.
A robust feasibility and options appraisal will then be commissioned to consider how to achieve a sustainable future for the building.
The aspiration for the restored North Range and Norman House is that it will provide a community hub with opportunities to host events, exhibitions and community outreach with regards to identified local needs and a better understanding of the history and significance of St Mary's Guildhall to the City of Lincoln.
Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “St Mary’s Guildhall is an incredibly important building in the city in terms of its history.
“This further funding to continue our planned restoration works and fully re-roof the Norman House will help us in raising the profile of this exceptional building and its history both locally and nationally.”
David Walsh, Principal Advisor at Historic England added: “We are very pleased to grant aid further repairs to this important building.
“The works will complete the repair programme and St Mary’s Guildhall will once again be able to play an important part in the life of the local community and Lincoln.”