Market Street properties repairs programme given the green light
- Remediation and repair works approved for Market Street properties
- Work includes repairs to roof, windows, hand demolition of external staircase tower
- Buildings will be made safe and watertight
Tamworth Borough Council’s ambitious regeneration project continues with planning permission granted for essential conservation repairs to the empty properties on Market Street.
The detailed and essential work will make the historic buildings safe and watertight in preparation for longer term work to conserve and renovate these historic properties.
Specific essential work includes:
- Roof repairs
- Temporary repairs to dormer windows, preventing further water damage
- Repair of timber windows where necessary
- Temporary covering of the roof to small, rear outbuilding
- Demolition (by hand) of an external staircase tower and the bricks to be retained for re-use
- Boundary wall between number 27 and 27a, to be taken down by hand and bricks to be retained for re-use
- Brick houses to rear of boundary wall to be carefully taken down by hand and bricks retained for re-use
Throughout all the work, though there will be disruption, Tamworth town centre and market remain ready to welcome visitors for shopping, socialising and leisure.
Tamworth Borough Council’s ambitious £21million regeneration plan to transform the town centre into the busy, thriving heart of the community will deliver:
- A new Enterprise Centre in the original 19th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill.
- Remedial works to preserve historic vacant properties on Market Street (opposite Peel Café) with a wider footbridge into the castle grounds
- Redevelopment replicating the original Georgian style of the former Peel Café, bringing a building back into active use. (Now complete, with Nationwide Building Society completing the internal works).
- Middle Entry renovations which will see some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a new flexible, multi-use building, for independent small businesses.
- Public realm works that will link all the projects together.
Additionally, South Staffordshire College is also building a new college facility replacing the demolished 1960s part of the Co-op building. Together both projects deliver a combined investment of over £40million in Tamworth town centre.
Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “It’s good to see that the work has been approved to repair the properties on Market Street. This work has been agreed in full consultation with Historic England, Tamworth Borough Council’s conservation officer and the Staffordshire County Council Historic Environment Team.
“The work and repairs should generally enhance the significance of the existing grade II listed buildings and the existing character and appearance of the conservation area. Such works should improve the economic viability of the listed buildings.
“This work is part of our Future High Street Fund project. Our ambition for the town centre is substantial, yes it does mean further disruption in the short term as we transform the town centre into a vibrant, thriving place that meets the needs of residents, visitors and local businesses.
“Throughout all work, the town and market will be very much active, and I’d urge everyone to continue to support our local businesses and shop, socialise and visit the town centre.”
