New life for Bridgnorth landmark building
A highly significant grade II* listed building in Bridgnorth is to be brought back to life.
48 Mill Street dates from the 1670s and has been disused since it formed part of the premises of Ridley’s Seed Merchants.
The work is the final stage of a partnership grants scheme between English Heritage and Shropshire Council
Tim Johnston, English Heritage Planning Director, West Midlands, said:
“48 Mill Street is a grade II* listed building in poor condition which has been on our Register of Buildings at Risk since 2002. It is therefore great news that the owners have accepted the offer of grant aid under our partnership scheme with Shropshire Council. 48 Mill Street occupies a prominent location in the Bridgnorth Low Town Conservation Area; its repair will significantly enhance the appearance of the area as a whole.”
The owners of Mill Street Antiques have appointed Donald Insall Associates Conservation Architects to administer the project. Condition and ecological surveys are underway and listed building consent will be required with the aim of starting work in 2011.
Councillor Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning said: “The low town partnership scheme shows how involving local communities in heritage conservation can act as a catalyst for the improvement and regeneration of an area.”
Christian Lea, Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts Division said: “With 48 Mill Street being of historic significance in Low Town, I very much welcome the news that essential repairs and conservation works are going to be undertaken. The property has been in its current condition for a number of years now and once these repairs have been carried out, the appearance of this prominent building will be greatly improved.”
Architect Sarah Butler said: “The grant will allow the undertaking of urgent and essential repair and conservation works to the roof and front façade in order to secure the preservation of this important historic building set within the conservation area and townscape of Bridgnorth.”
The Low Town Partnership Grants Scheme is a project jointly funded by English Heritage and Shropshire Council, specifically targeting Bridgnorth Low Town with the aim of the preservation and enhancement of the Conservation Area.
