As summer draws to a close, work at 2–4 Market Place continues to move forward steadily. From heritage restoration to future planning, here’s the latest on what’s been happening on site this month.
Roof Works
Work on the Granary roof is progressing well. On Roof 1, steels have been installed, the timber work is complete, and the surface has now been felted and battened. All other roof work on site is now complete, marking a major milestone in the restoration programme
Façade and Shopfronts
Elevation to Market Place (south-facing):
At No. 2, work has recommended on the shopfront, with glazing installed, a new door being remade, the pelmet and cornice underway, and the soffit in place.
Completion of No. 2 is on track for the end of September. Its bespoke mosaic entrance and marble detailing are being carefully made off-site to templates, ensuring a perfect fit on installation.
Once No. 2 is complete, shopfront work will move on to No. 3, while manufacture for No. 4 has already started ahead of schedule and will be installed later in the programme to allow continued site access.
North-facing to the upper and lower courtyards:
Windows have now been installed, render repairs carried out, and work is set to begin on a new bulkhead detail.
Granary & 9 High Street
On Elevation C (south-facing to the courtyards), off-site manufacture of the doors has begun. Ground floor masonry work has progressed, and posi joists are now in place.
For the holiday lets:
On the first and second floors, studwork lining for Holiday Let 5 has progressed nicely since last month’s update.
Procurement of ceilings in the historic parts of Holiday Lets 5 and 1 is currently on hold while discussions take place with the conservation officer to agree on a suitable solution. This may impact the programme, but as always, the team will keep you updated on progress.
Elsewhere, blockwork to the core area – the internal hub of 2-4 – is continuing at pace, alongside the development of the lift shaft.
Training & Community Engagement
Have you seen our calls for volunteers that have been going out across social media? A big thank you to those of you who have already volunteered your time!
To support our volunteers, we are now exploring the options for training provisions. From general inductions to more specialist courses such as first aid and safeguarding, the team is working to explore all options that will help ensure everyone feels confident and supported when getting involved on site.
Digital Developments
The trustees are continuing their work with digital consultants, Knapton Wright, to refresh the website and keep the community up-to-date.
In addition, discussions are progressing between Steve Critten, local historian Alan Dennis, Stephen Savage from Caistor Heritage Trust, and Knapton Wright to explore collaboration opportunities and the sharing of archive material.
Hard Hat Tours
Don’t forget we are hosting our very first guided hard hat tours in line with Heritage Open Days Festival 2025. Taking place on Saturday, 13th September 2025, these tours offer everyone a fantastic opportunity to step inside the building and see the transformation first-hand. All four of the tours – taking place at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm are now almost fully booked with just one place remaining on each. If demand calls for it, the team is more than happy to add more times/dates to the event.
Local businesses, and those who have registered interest in the rental units, are also invited to join the team for a tour on Sunday, 14th September, at 10.30am or 11.30am.
Looking Ahead: Retail Units
Offers are now being invited from property management companies to market and manage the retail units once the building is complete. This is an exciting step forward in preparing the site for its future role at the heart of the community.
Keep following our updates for more behind-the-scenes progress as we bring 2–4 Market Place back to life.