Works have concluded at the Blair Gratton designed shopfront on Midland Road – the second shop front to be designed by us and completed as part of the Swadlincote Townscape Heritage Initiative. The local authority initiative promotes the regeneration of the towns Historic centre, through the help of Heritage Lottery Funding. For over 100 years the building existed as ‘The Market Inn’ public house before its closure in the 1970’s. What followed was the opening up of the ground floor elevation, and conversion to an estate agents. However, for several years the existing shopfront has stood unused as a standard fully glazed design, seemingly disguising its history from passers-by. Dominated by large unremarkable advertisement transfers and with a tiny cant brick sill, it disappointingly prevented light from entering the ground floor. Following conservation guidelines, the shopfront has been restored to a 19th century state, harking back to a more elegant style of shopfront design, and one similar in heritage to that of 1 West Street (the first shop front designed by BGA as part of the THI). The cant brick sill has been removed and replaced with a brown glazed brick, bordered by stone at the base of aubergine pilasters. The roof has been removed and re-tiled. The exterior has undergone render repair work and windows have been replaced with heritage windows; altogether, an eye catching colour palette. We are pleased with the finish – the works have been completed to a high standard of quality and detail. We look forward to seeing what its future usage will be.