Work to conserve a historic Boston landmark is moving forward, ensuring that the building will be preserved for future generations.
Shodfriars Hall, which dates back to the fifteenth century, is benefitting from structural repairs and refurbishment in a project that has been supported by funding from the Towns Fund, overseen by Boston Town Board.
The project is being delivered by Scorer Hawkins Architects and the Towns Fund grant is supporting the repair and conservation of the grade II* listed building.
The initial phases have seen the erection of the scaffold, investigation works, and the repair of historic pargetting, a type of decorated plasterwork between the timber panels.
Scorer Hawkins is working with local companies and tradespeople, including the Gache family from Market Deeping who have been working with lime plaster since 1948 and are acknowledged experts in their field.
The works onsite are progressing well and the businesses within the building will continue to trade throughout the project.
Jo Brigham, Chair, Boston Town Board commented: “It is fantastic to see the progress that has already taken place at Shodfriars, and the sensitive works that are being carried out now will secure the building’s future.
“Feedback from consultation shows how much the people of Boston value the town’s heritage, and the Board has committed its support for this project as Shodfriars is an important historical building and one which was at risk.
“The works are clearly being carried out to a high standard and I look forward to seeing the completion of the project in due course.”
Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader, Boston Borough Council said: “Shodfriars Hall is one of the iconic landmarks of our town and I’m really pleased to see the sensitive works that have been carried out so far.
“Crucially, the businesses within the building are able to continue to trade during this project, so full credit to all those involved in this up to now, I look forward to seeing the finished results!”
Chris Bowen, Architect and Director, Scorer Hawkins Architects said: “As we peel back the layers and start to repair the fabric of the building you get a real sense of the time and effort that specialist trades have and continue to put into the building and maintenance of our ancient buildings.
“Our aim is to conserve all that we can of the older historic fabric whilst delivering a project that will result in huge benefits to the local economy and the many small highly skilled local businesses that we are working with. Gaches are half an hour from our site and it’s a pleasure to work with them.”
Philip Gaches, Master Plasterer, commented: “It’s an honour and a privilege to work on such a fine building in a town with such a remarkable history. To play our part in the rejuvenation of Shodfriars Hall makes us proud to support the community.”
