A '500,000 scheme to restore one of Long Sutton's most prestigious buildings and adapt it for a variety of community uses is to be considered by South Holland District Council's Planning Committee.
The Market House, which was built in 1856 as a Corn Exchange, is virtually derelict having been used as a stonemason's storeroom and as a garage until taken over by the Council and placed in the hands of the Long Sutton Market House Trust.
The Trust has appointed Ely architects Purcell Miller Tritton, historic building specialists, to carry out the conservation work. Architect Chris Davis explained, 'This is a very handsome and important building that has played a major role in the community life of Long Sutton for nearly a hundred and fifty years. The conservation work, which will leave its structure almost exactly as it was when it was first built while bringing the internal features up to modern standards, will mean it can continue to be a focal point for residents and visitors alike.'
'The building, designed by Lincoln architects Blamey and Hardy, is remarkable in that it has one of the earliest examples of a glue laminated roof. This technique enables the roof to be curved sharply and is used on many contemporary buildings such as the Eco Tech Centre in Swaffham.' The project will equip the Market House with new heating, wiring and plumbing systems, as well as a new lift to make the building fully accessible. The scheme will also see four new houses built alongside the Market House provided in association with the Longhurst Housing Group. The whole scheme could be completed by Summer 2003.
