- The shop front was created in Lindum’s in-house Joinery workshop in North Hykeham
- 1 St Mary’s Street is part of a wider High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme
- Work to the shop front was carried out on behalf of City of Lincoln Council
Work started on site at 1 St Mary’s Street, the home of Eric A. Bird Jewellers for more than 60 years, just before Christmas 2023.
Lindum’s in-house Joinery division used architectural drawings to produce a new replica shop front, as well as three restored windows across three floors.
Following grant of planning permission by City of Lincoln Council’s heritage officer, the Lindum joiners made the replacement shop window frame, door and over light, dormer window frame and shop sign, with a specialist contractor supplying the glass.
Lindum was also tasked with repairing the first-floor oriel window, which is a type of bay window. This refurbishment work was performed in Lindum’s on-site joinery workshop alongside the creation of the shopfront.
As much of the original window frame was saved during the work to better preserve the heritage of the window.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “There are many unique heritage aspects and locations within Lincoln that need to be preserved so that Lincoln’s special character is maintained, and that includes its shopfronts.
“We are happy to see another shopfront returned to its former glory as part of this fantastic project with Historic England.
“By restoring, revitalising and refurbishing these historic shopfronts, it not only helps us to protect heritage in our city, but also aids us in continuing to make Lincoln a great place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The shopfront was originally built using softwood, but an FSC sourced hardwood called Sapele was being used in the new frame because of its workability and natural durability, therefore providing a sustainable and future-proofed solution.
The woodwork installed is painted in grey aluminium primer, with the council choosing the final aged green, Vert de Terre colour.
Ryan Calvert, Lindum Joinery General Manager, said: “It is fantastic to see another bespoke shopfront refurbished in Lincoln, helping to revitalise the high street, restore some of Lincoln’s heritage, and preserving our local history and iconic shop fronts.
“Having been a part of the wider Sincil Street shopfront development, we are very pleased to be able to continue to contribute to the restoration of Lincoln’s historic high street and our joiners can now say they are a part of that history.”
As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which saw the city council receive a successful bid for funding of £1.68 million in April 2020, the city council has now almost completed the four-year programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover its rich history.
David Walsh, Principal Advisor at Historic England added: “We are delighted to see another historic shopfront being restored in Lincoln.
“City of Lincoln Council and local businesses are doing great work to preserve and enhance Lincoln’s unique character and create new retail spaces to serve local people and support the city’s economy.”
Eric A-Bird Jewellers closed its doors for the final time on Christmas Eve 2022 after 63 years, when the last custodian, Steve Thompson, retired.
He joined the business when he left school more than 50 years ago and took it on founder Eric Bird in 1994. The premises are now under new ownership.
You can find more information on the projects Lindum Joinery has completed here.
