The report confirms that, “following a further building control inspection to assess updated works that the initial inspection highlighted, the building has received the necessary certification.”
The council expects to “meet with the contractor and for practical completion to finally take place, meaning that Fenland District Council will then take possession from the contractor and responsibility for the building.”
‘The Gap’ in Wisbech High Street
The site at 24 High Street has long been known locally as “Cooks Butchers or The Gap.”
The report details, “No. 24 High Street was the site of a four storey 18th century building prior to its collapse approximately 40 years ago. Known locally as Cooks Butchers or The Gap there has not been a building on the High Street frontage since that time – until now.”
A journey decades in the making
The Cabinet report reflects on the project’s long and challenging journey: “Following several years of regular Cabinet updates regarding this challenging and costly project, the council can feel proud that ‘The Gap’ in Wisbech High Street has finally been filled.”
The work, it notes, “cannot be underestimated and started back in 2013 when the Wisbech Society set up a discussion between councils and English Heritage, with a hope to develop a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve the dilapidated buildings in Wisbech High Street.”
Even after securing funding, the project faced setbacks: “Even at the point of appointing an initial contractor the project was frustrated again when the contractor pulled out at short notice as another project could not proceed in tandem with No. 24.
“This meant re-procuring a contractor with the time and energy that such a process takes.”
Overcoming challenges
The report highlights the difficulties faced: “Working on such a narrow site with terrible access, poor ground conditions due to the closeness of the river, no local site yard, and a busy High Street directly outside the site has been a considerable challenge.”
Delays were encountered: “24 High Street experienced delays with piling works and then issues with ensuring that the new building fitted into the tight site itself.”
A new chapter for Wisbech
The impact of the project is clear: “The completed building changes how the High Street both looks and feels and is a significant enhancement to the streetscape of the town.”
The council is “in the process of finding a tenant for the small ground floor shop area and the flats above that will let at a fair value.”
An official completion ceremony is planned: “the Council will hold an official completion ceremony in January with partners invited to mark this significant project and the high impact that this work has had on improving the historic High Street of Wisbech.”
Looking forward
The report adds: “Much has been learnt during the construction process, and this learning will be implemented during the 11-12 High Street project.
“This should mean that construction of 11-12 High Street proceeds more smoothly than the work at No. 24.”
