Revamp for historic High Street building
Co-op to complete renovation work in time for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
A HISTORIC Hungerford High Street building will finally be restored to its former glory.
And work could begin within days.
For more than 20 years, the Queen Anne building at 15 and 15a was allowed to deteriorate.
In 2012, after years of wrangling, the town council secured an undertaking in principle from the building’s owner, the Co-op, that the structure should be renovated.
Since then, former town mayor Martin Crane has been pushing, in vain, for a community meeting to resolve the situation and to explore the availability of grants to help with renovation.
In January, town mayor Helen Simpson said: “We really do need a meeting with the Co-op, but it’s like bashing your head against concrete.
“I think there’s been a change in management [at the Co-op] again and so if we can instigate a meeting with them, and with West Berkshire Council, we should.
“It’s a beautiful building going to rack and ruin on our High Street and it’s something we should be pursuing as a council.”
But that appears to be about to change.
Town resident Geordie Taylor, who has taken up the reins of the campaign to save the building, has received confirmation from Co-op chief executive Steve Murrells stating: “I can confirm that the work will start Tuesday, April 19, and be completed Tuesday, May 31, before the Jubilee.”
A spokeswoman for the organisation, Russell Gill, has written: “I know that Steve has shared with you the good news about the work which will start on Queen Anne House on April 19.
“I understand that the work schedule indicates that 25 days will be required meaning, with weekends etc, all will be completed by May 31.
“Hopefully, this will help make the high street look much better for the Jubilee celebrations.
“In summary, I understand the work is repair and redecoration, including survey and repair of the roof, timber repairs to sash windows and entrance door, decoration and ground clearance/ clearance of foliage.”
Mr Taylor said: “I know nothing more of their intentions than this, but I suggest we give the current management team at the Co-op all due credit at this stage for their understanding and engagement with the community.
“This is definitely very good news indeed.”