Two businesses are transforming their shop fronts back to how they would have been in the early 20th century. Flossie & Boo and the Travail Employment Group are businesses located in Newark town centre, and have both have planning applications approved to replace their current shop frontages with a more traditional design.
Flossie & Boo, an independent children's boutique, will be restoring the existing front storage so that it has hints of the art deco movement, and will use features from when the Grade II premises was owned by G.H Porter Provisions a century ago. The design has been planned by Guy Taylor Associates of Newark, and in an almost authentic replica will have a bronze painted signage on a black painted timber fascia panel.
This will be installed alongside dark green glazed Victorian style bricks for the stall riser. Owner of the store, Carly Carpenter, said: "I am very excited about the intended project.
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"The new frontage will enhance the aesthetics of our beautiful market square. For me personally, it will reflect the products I sell inside better and give my customers a nicer shopping experience.
"It is the ugliest shop in the market square currently, with no original features left so to be able to bring those back will be lovely. I hope it can be a blueprint for future projects and growth within our wonderful town."
Also a listed building, Travail Employment Group is a late-Georgian property that has changed a lot over the years. Architectural firm Smith & Roper, are designing the frontage which will see a hand painted sign installed as well as other historical features.
Regional director, Lisa Abel, said: "Our Travail office is in a late-Georgian property, but over the years there have been many changes which unfortunately have not enhanced the frontage in any way, and we are excited to be part of this scheme which will once again allow the original character of the building to shine.
“Working with Newark and Sherwood District Council, we have been able to secure funding from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, and are delighted to be working with Architectural firm Smith & Roper, and local joiners Kirk and Bills to bring the vision to life. We are super excited to begin to see the changes taking place”
Overall the design will reference the appearance of the building in the 1940s, when it was a wine, spirit and grocers shop. The project to change both store fronts has received funding of £275,000, which was secured by Newark and Sherwood Council from Historic England High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme.
Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “These proposals will help to breathe new life into Newark’s beautiful market square, restoring character to buildings that are rich in heritage.
“One of the main goals of Newark’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone project is to improve the appearance of listed buildings and their immediate neighbourhoods, bringing a positive change to the ambience of the town centre. We are delighted with the positive response from the owners who are fully on board to help improve their premises’ character and condition.
"When work is complete, they will have a positive impact on the town centre, raising aspirations and making Newark a more attractive place to live in and visit.” A Historic England spokesperson added: "We are delighted to see work start on the Newark shopfront scheme: it is an exciting step in the heritage led regeneration of Newark, and testament to the excellent work carried out by colleagues in the town.
“The works will not only enhance these wonderful historic buildings but will also enhance the surrounding townscape for the benefit of all – from residents to visitors. We are thrilled to see Newark’s High Street Heritage Action Zone have a such a striking and positive impact on the ground.”
It is hoped that work will begin before the end of March.
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