Progress
Progress to Date
2013
PLANNING PERMISSION and LISTED BUILDING CONSENT for restoration and conversion of the property were granted in March and April 2013 . Work on stabilising the building started a few weeks later and the main frontage structure which had been at risk of collapse was made safe later in the year. Work continued into 2014 with the re-roofing of the main frontage building, repair of front elevation windows, removal of decayed internal timber, clearance of fallen trees and excavation of the former Buttermarket.
2014
In April 2014 talks started between North Kesteven District Council, Sleaford Corn Exchange Ltd and Neighbouring owners to explore the possibility of integrating the development with Sleaford Masterplan proposals for creation of a pedestrian link between Market Place and Money’s Yard car parks.
These plans are being developed as part of the HEART OF SLEAFORD project.
Full details of this will be released later in the year.
The Heart of Sleaford project has been formalised through the creation of The Heart of Sleaford Charitable Incorporated Organisation, supported by Sleaford Corn Exchange Ltd, North Kesteven District Council, Bristol Arcades Ltd and Lincolnshire Community Foundation. The new CIO has appointed architects and other professional advisers to investigate the possibility of linking the development to Money’s yard with a new pedestrian bridge and of bringing the historic Buttermarket back into use as an enterprise centre. Also on the Agenda is restoration of a more modern structure to the rear of the site and its conversion for use as a community cinema.
The scheme in its revised form will help meet several objectives of North Kesteven District Council’s Sleaford Masterplan.
The final concept was presented to The Sleaford Regeneration Group in the offices of North Kesteven District Council on 6th October.
2015
On site repair and maintenance work continues in an attempt to avoid further deterioration of the building. The main open area has been cleared of refuse and contaminants and the Buttermarket structure fully exposed. The professional team and CIO trustees have been fully engaged with the district council in refining the Heart of Sleaford proposal and establishing joint working arrangement between the various interested parties.
A preliminary application was submitted in September for Heritage funding of the Community/Civic elements of the scheme.
The vision is to create key attractor at the northern end of Southgate, linking Money’s Yard to Market Place to provide a new focal point at the heart of Sleaford. Subject to viability the development will include a mix of potential uses ranging from restaurants and bars to the cinema, retail units, office space and residential.
The plan includes the regeneration and redevelopment of the derelict Grade 11 listed Corn Exchange site and buildings, refurbishment of the Bristol Arcade (formally the Bristol Hotel).
2016/2017
Revised plans for 17/19 Market Place are approved by North Kesteven District Council and a start is made on exposing the structure of the original shop front together with ongoing repairs to the fabric of the building.
SLEAFORD MARKET PLACE
2018
On Tuesday 14th August Sleaford Mayor Grenville Jackson, Town Clerk and RFO Kevin Martin and members of Sleaford Civic Trust Executive committee were given a guided tour of the Sleaford Buttermarket site and the chance to see progress with restoration of 17 Market Place, Sleaford.
The visit started with a meeting at the offices of Hodgson Brothers LLP for a briefing on the Heart of Sleaford Project and the essential health and safety concerns when visiting a construction site.
Suitably equipped with hard hats, the delegation was accompanied to the site by Robert Hodgson, managing director of J Hodgson and Sons Ltd, the building owner.
The original shop front has been hidden for several decades by a modern facade. This has now been removed and restoration of the early Victorian shop front is now underway.
Much of the interior of the property had been destroyed by fire and decay resulting from over 20 years neglect. Wherever possible original beams are being repaired and retained, but in some areas new structures have been essential to preserve the main structure.
Missing windows and those damaged or replaced with inappropriate modern windows are gradually being restored or renewed withy handmade frames in their original style.
17 Market Place is part of the Heart of Sleaford scheme which will open up a previously hidden area of the town with new traffic free pedestrian links in the town centre between Southgate, Market Place and Money’s Yard; helping to restore the vitality of this part of the town with new leisure, retail, office and residential accommodation.
Overlooking the hidden Heart of Sleaford
2019
A new shop front completes the restoration of the frontage to 17/18 Market Place. The design and installation of the new shop front was only made possible by grant assistance from the Sleaford PSiCA, which was jointly funded by both North Kesteven District Council and Historic England. Gareth Hughes, the local Conservation Officer providing guidance and advise throughout.
Work carries on behind the facade to prepare for the town’s new three screen cinema development. On Thursday the 11th July North Kesteven District Council gave their unanimous backing for the £4 million project which is expected to generate an additional £1.5 million a year spending on other goods and services in the town in plus additional to food and drink sales. Included in the scheme will be an area of public open space, a new bridge over the river Slea and a restaurant within the existing Buttermarket cellar complex.
Sleaford town centre will get a new £4 million three-screen cinema with a restaurant and food court. Link
Site Plan & Frontage Sketch
Buttermarket Excavation Completed
