Lindum Group has completed the refurbishment of 5-7 Market Place, Gainsborough, returning it to its former glory.

The building, owned by West Lindsey District Council, is the former home of the Gainsborough Standard. It will now become three new flats, with a commercial space on the ground floor.

As part of the scheme, a new shop front has been constructed and installed by Lindum’s joinery team to replicate the Grade II listed property’s original Georgian and Victorian façade.

The new shop front was constructed at Lindum Joinery’s workshop in Lincoln. It is made from traditional materials and follows a design by Latham Architects, which matches original designs researched from old photographs and pictures, including by Gainsborough artist Karl Wood.

Wendy Osgodby, Economic Growth Team Leader at West Lindsey District Council, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of the refurbishment of this building at the gateway to the historic heart of Gainsborough Town Centre. The regeneration of this building forms part of a very exciting programme of development in Gainsborough.”

The building has been part of Gainsborough’s Market Place since the early-18th Century. West Lindsey District Council bought it in 2016 with the restoration to form part of its wider town regeneration plan.

The building will now be brought back to full use as part of a wider programme of town centre renewal, which is being part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Levelling Up Fund and West Lindsey District Council.

Simon Hope, Lindum Construction Manager, said: “This has definitely been one of the more interesting jobs we’ve done. The difference between when we started and how the building looks now is amazing.

“The combination of the building being empty for years and the leaky roof meant that the inside of the building was very run down, to the point where there were even mushrooms growing on the walls as a result from water cascading into the building for several years.

“The flats are now all up to standard, with new kitchens, walk in showers, and carpets throughout. We are very pleased with how they have turned out, with the historical aspect of the building maintained, while incorporating a modern feel.”

The project was procured through SCAPE’s Regional Construction Framework.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “We are pleased to have worked with our partner, Lindum Group on this significant scheme, helping to accelerate this project forward and provide cost savings for the council. Having restored the building’s impressive history, the building will be an invaluable asset to the community once complete.”

A defibrillator has also been donated by Lindum and installed at the local Weatherspoons building on Silver Street, as part of the project.

The new defib was unveiled on Friday May 12 to representatives from West Lindsey District Council and Lindum.

The donation will provide a vital, lifesaving piece of equipment to the people of Gainsborough and those who are visiting the market.

Simon Hope said: “It is always important to us at Lindum that we leave the communities that we work in better than when we started.

“We always strive to support these communities, be that through volunteering in the neighbourhood, or donations that will ultimately improve the local area, as is the case today.”