Restoration Plans Approved for Damaged Market Street Building

Strategic Insights -

A critical fire broke out in Kirkby Lonsdale in December 2024, severely damaging 11 Market Street and several other buildings in the area. The fire took the life of Ben Taylor, 45, the owner of GR and RD Taylor General Store and Army Surplus on Market Street. Since the blaze, part of 11 Market Street had to be demolished due to its 'structural instability'. Now, plans for the restoration of the building have been approved by Westmorland and Furness Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fire on December 8, 2024, damaged 11 Market Street, 100 residential properties, and 84 business properties in the area.
  • Part of 11 Market Street had to be demolished due to structural instability.
  • The restoration plans, lodged by Mr. Short, aim to refurbish the property on a 'like for like basis'.
  • The plans will use reclaimed Burlington blue slate for the roof repair and traditional lime mortar for exterior works.
  • Thermafleece insulation will be installed in the building's interior to improve thermal performance while retaining the 'breathability of the historic fabric'.
  • Solar panels and an air source heat pump will be installed at the property through a proposal.
  • Eleven Market Street is a grade II listed building, declared as such in 1983.

Statistics:

  • 11 Market Street suffered significant damage in the fire, necessitating the partial demolition of the building.
  • The fire impacted 100 residential properties and 84 business properties in the area.
  • The restoration plans aim to refurbish the property on a 'like for like basis'.
  • £X amount (exact figure not specified) was raised through an auction for Kirkby Lonsdale after the fire.
  • The property's restoration is set to retain the 'breathability of the historic fabric'.
  • The solar panels and the air source heat pump are expected to have a minimal impact on the heritage asset.

Sources:

  • North Yorkshire Weather Updates
  • Westmorland and Furness Council
  • HPA Architects
  • 1983 (declaration of 11 Market Street as a grade II listed building)