The building occupied by family-run furniture business Eyres of Worksop, on the corner of Westgate, has been brought back to its former glory following a ten-month restoration.
Work included sympathetically restoring the façade, replacing old brickwork, erecting new signage, and creating elevated display areas. The transformation is one part of Bassetlaw District Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative, which was allocated £1,350,200 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Alongside a £150,000 contribution from the Townscape Heritage Initiative, Eyres used Bassetlaw District Council’s Shop Frontage grant of £15,324 to help fund new hand painted signage, entrance doors and replacement glass for damaged windows. The Council’s Shop Frontage Scheme has been supporting businesses in town centres to make improvements to the outside of their premises.
Eyres, an iconic part of Worksop’s historic conservation area, first opened its doors in 1875 and moved to the town in 1899. After over a century of trading their building was looking very tired and in desperate need of an overhaul. With the size of the building making improvements very costly, the restoration was made possible thanks in part to National Lottery players.
Richard Shuker, Owner of Eyres of Worksop said: “We are thrilled to have completed our restoration thanks to support from the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, and Bassetlaw District Council.
“We are delighted with the finished look of our building; the original red brickwork has come up better than we ever imagined. Our new colour scheme and hand painted signage has given our building a new lease of life. The positive reaction has been amazing, and we hope to welcome customers through our new front doors for the next 100 years.”
Costing around £400,000 overall, the renovation and repair work began back in February 2024, with the revamped building completed in time for the busy Christmas shopping period.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place said: “Work like this is vital to ensure our heritage buildings in the district are retained for future generations.
“I’m delighted Eyres of Worksop, a key focal point in the Worksop Conservation area, has been successful in securing funding from the Heritage Fund, alongside the Council to support its work to restore the building back to its former glory.”
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