By Hoardings could be removed as two restored balconies show their true colours
The Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage Programme has seen progress develop, as now two restored balconies on Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, are showing their true colours, protruding out from the hoardings.
The four-year Townscape Heritage programme was launched in 2018 and has been extended to December 2024. The scheme is funded by £1.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1m from North East Lincolnshire Council, with around 900k of 3rd party match funding ‘from the property freeholders/leaseholders’.
The two balconies, above 21-24 Alexandra Road and above 41 Alexandra Road, have been restored to their original state. The balconies are along six blocks, of varied design, which NELC said ‘working with the Scottish Ironwork Foundation, research has been carried out to identify the designs and Scottish foundries that supplied the structures.’
The research formed in 2021 with The University of Lincoln School of History and Heritage Dept, determined the original colours of the balconies along the road.
“The balcony in 21-24 Alexandra Road, was manufactured by J & A Law Glasgow and is marked on columns. Similar columns exist at Southport in their 1902 catalogue, thus dating this structure to the early part of the last century.
“Other similar examples of the balcony panels exist as balconies at Worthing, and as a railing in Edinburgh. This paint analysis concluded that this particular balcony block was a dark Ruby Red, which is the new colour on the restored balcony.” NELC said.
This stretch of the balcony has been restored by Calibre Metalwork Ltd.
Malcolm Dobson, from the company behind the restoration, Calibre Metalwork, said: “We’ve worked on many ironwork restoration projects across the country for the national trust, local authorities and private clients, etc, both inland and at the seaside, over many years. We’ve worked hard with the architects to retain as much of the original structural ironwork columns and panels as possible. It’s been a privilege being part of this project.”
The Scottish Ironwork Foundation, found the balcony for 41 Alexandra Road was manufactured by George Wright & Co & Lion Foundry of Kirkintilloch, they said and it is believed to be ‘the only example of its kind to have survived’.The balcony was restored by Lost Art.
Cllr Tom Furneaux, the Cabinet member for heritage, said: “It’s great to see these balconies back in place, and I can’t wait to see the hoardings removed and reveal the work that’s gone on behind them! The vital restoration of these balconies is testament to the hard work being undertaken in the borough to help preserve our past heritage and it’s something I’m passionate about helping to preserve for future generations to see.”
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(Image:NELC)
