Work is now complete to improve one of Boston’s historic buildings, bringing it back into use to provide accommodation for local people.
Grade II listed 22, Wide Bargate has benefitted from roof and window repairs as well as a refresh to the exterior, supported by a grant through the Healing the High Street scheme, a Boston Neighbourhood Board project.
The exterior works to the property – which dates back to 1795 and which was originally constructed as an office wing to the adjacent house – follow on from and complement the full commercial internal conversion carried out by the owners in August 2024.
The project, which has been overseen by Heritage Lincolnshire with architects Scorer Hawkins, has significantly enhanced the frontage of the property which provides private rental accommodation, and which is fully let.
Myriam Sohail, Director of owners Crowland and Wolf said: “It was quite a big project and we were thrilled to be able to bring back an empty building into use once more.
“With Boston Neighbourhood Board and Heritage Lincolnshire’s help, we have been able to restore the front to bring it back to its former glory and be a compliment to the town once again.”
BEFORE
AFTER
Works are also now getting underway to further properties in the town centre, supported by grants through the Healing the High Street scheme. Pilgrim House has received funding to support structural improvements, window replacement, roof repairs, new rainwater goods, and brickwork repointing.
In addition, external improvements are taking place at 44-46 Wide Bargate which, like Pilgrim House, is a grade II listed building and part of the town’s heritage.
The Healing the High Street scheme aims to improve the external appearance of buildings and preserve local heritage by working with building owners to repair and restore historic features to their buildings. It is supported by government funding through Boston Neighbourhood Board.
Alice Ullathorne, Head of Heritage with Heritage Lincolnshire said: “We’re thrilled to see the impact this grant has made to 22 Wide Bargate. It shows what a difference a small-scale grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government can have on the High Street. This is one of many examples of the transformational difference that the Healing the High Street Town Deal project has had.”
Emma Tatlow, Chair, Boston Neighbourhood Board said: “It is fantastic to see these physical improvements being carried out to historic buildings in the town centre, helping to preserve Boston’s heritage for years to come.
“The investment that is being made is giving properties a new lease of life, and it is especially pleasing to see how this scheme is creating new uses for empty buildings.
“I’d like to thank all the building owners taking part in the scheme who share our commitment to revitalising the appearance of Boston town centre. The impact of these works is clear to see.”