Works starts on rescue of Bridgnorth historic building

Restoration of a key Grade II listed building in Bridgnorth is due to take place next week.

No 48 Mill Street dates from the 1670s and has been disused since it formed part of the premises of Ridleys Seed Merchants.

Following funding from Shropshire Council and English Heritage, specialist building conservation company CBS Conservation and architects Donald Insall Associates will commence restoration from Monday 20 August 2012, in aid of rescuing the building from further decay.

The Low Town Partnership Grants Scheme is a project jointly funded by English Heritage and Shropshire Council, specifically targeting within Bridgnorth Low Town with the aim of the preservation and enhancement of the Conservation Area.

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for conservation, said:

“The Low Town Partnership Grants Scheme shows how involving local communities in heritage conservation can act as a catalyst for the improvement and regeneration of an area.”

William Parr, a local Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts, said:

 “It’s good news that the owners of 48 Mill Street, Bridgnorth have accepted the offer of Grant Aid under our Partnership scheme with Shropshire Council.  This is an historic building　that seriously needs repairs, and in turn it will enhance the street scene and benefit the community visually within this conservation area.”

Christian Lea, also a local Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts,  commented:

“I am very pleased to hear the news that these essential repairs are going to be carried out to this building, which is a very important part of Low Town’s heritage.  Local residents will also welcome the removal of the scaffolding which has surrounded this building for a very long time, once the renovation works have been completed.” 

“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.”

Local conservation architects Donald Insall Associates are leading the project with specialist contractor Conservation Building Services from Oswestry as principle contractor.

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 restoration is due to be completed at the end of the year.

For more information about the project contact Shropshire Councils conservation team on 01743 255657.