As we face the onset of autumn, it’s time to reflect on what has been a busy summer at 2-4, one which has brought plenty of visible progress across the site and activity picking up pace on several key elements of the restoration. From roof works to digital updates, here’s a round-up of what’s been happening behind the hoardings at 2-4 Market Place.
Property Management
Offers are now being invited from a number of property management companies. These organisations are being approached to market and manage the new retail units within the building – a significant step forward as we prepare to welcome future tenants into the spaces.
Roofing Works
Work on the Granary Roof has advanced, with steels now in place and timber work completed for Roof 1. This section has also been felted and battened. All other roofing works across the site have now been completed, helping to secure the building as internal fit-out continues.
Market Place Elevation
Shopfront works have resumed at No. 2, where glazing has now been installed. The door is currently being remade, while work on the pelmet and cornice has commenced. The soffit has also been installed, and No. 2 is expected to be completed by the end of September.
The entrance mosaics are being produced off-site to bespoke templates, and the same goes for the marble detailing.
Work to shopfront No. 3 will follow the completion of No. 2, while the manufacture of shopfront No. 4 has already begun, ahead of schedule. These will be installed later in the programme to maintain access across the site.
Courtyard Elevation
Facing onto the upper and lower courtyards, this elevation has seen window installations completed and render repairs carried out. A new bulkhead detail is now also due to begin.
Elevation C – Granary & 9 High Street
Offsite manufacture has commenced on new doors for this south-facing courtyard elevation. At ground floor level, masonry works have progressed, and posi joists are now in place.
On the upper floors, studwork lining in holiday let 5 is progressing in line with the programme. However, procurement of ceilings for the historic sections of holiday lets 1 and 5 is currently paused, as discussions continue with the conservation officer to confirm a suitable solution.
Elsewhere, blockwork continues in the core area, alongside ongoing work on the lift shaft.
Volunteer Training
Planning is underway to introduce training opportunities for volunteers. This will include general volunteer training, as well as more specialised sessions such as first aid and safeguarding, with an event due to take place before the end of the year to gather all those who have expressed an interest in volunteering and discover more about what skills and time can be donated to the project.
Digital Updates
The trustees have continued to work closely with digital consultants Knapton Wright to maintain updates across the website and social media platforms.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing between Steve Critten, local historian Alan Dennis, Stephen Savage of Caistor Heritage Trust, and the team at Knapton Wright to develop the historical archive and explore opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of archive material — a promising move to enhance both our digital offer and interpretation.
Hard Hat Tours
After some incredible feedback from the Heritage Open Days hard hat tour weekend, we will be planning more behind-the-scenes events in the future. These will be created in line with project milestones, with the next round of tours looking to be held in Spring 2026.