Makeover sees RAFA Club restored to its Victorian roots
The scaffolding has come down from the RAFA Club in Cleethorpes to reveal its new look after receiving a heritage make-over to return the building’s facade to its Victorian roots.
Constructed circa 1885, the building has received its new look thanks to a grant award from the Townscape Heritage Project, supported by the Royal Air Forces Association.
Work has taken more than 14 weeks with traditional materials, colours and methods used.
The 140-year-old rotten timber work has been replaced, and the 1970s porch gone with a traditional door installed.
The blue masonry paint has also been changed for a more sympathetic stone colour in keeping with the Victorian era.
The Cleethorpes vice-chair of North East Lincolnshire’s RAFA association, Graham Malster, has spoken of his pride following the make-over. He said:
“I grew up in Cleethorpes before spending 25 years in the RAF. I love the town, and its people and take huge pride in what we are doing here, something that is part of the community and it looks fantastic.
“It is a great asset, and this is a key milestone in bringing the whole building back to life.”
David Renwick, Area Director for the North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:
“We are excited to support the people of Cleethorpes in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings, with money raised by National Lottery players.
“We know that heritage in the North can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in people’s hometowns and cities, and in turn boosting the local economy.
“This work is a fantastic example of that.”
Managed by the council’s regeneration partner ENGIE, this is the first physical work of its kind to complete as part of the project – next is the nearby Copper Bar’s exterior.
There is also a call for more building owners to come forward if their premises’ lie within the focus area of Sea View Street and Alexandra Road. Grants of up to 80 per cent are available for the sympathetic restoration of the old Victorian exteriors.
Architectural work has been undertaken by resort based Hodson Architects, with the work has carried out by Keith Howson Ltd.
Lead architect Adam Fulton at Hodson Architects said:
“Now that the scaffolding has been taken down the exemplary quality of the reinstated architectural detailing is revealed.
“It is of the highest quality using Accoya timber throughout which is well suited to the harsh coastal conditions.
“We believe the project enhances the conservation area and hope that it will be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.”
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