Cromer Townscape Heritage Initiative

The Cromer Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) was a partnership project sponsored and part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Other resources come from the East of England Development Agency, the European Union, Norfolk County Council, Cromer Town Council and North Norfolk District Council. The THI scheme started in June 2002 and although the 'official' end of the scheme in terms of offering grants was May 2005, repair work continued throughout 2006.

The THI formed part of the wider Cromer Regeneration Initiative and the Cromer Town Re-Vitalisation Programme. Its aim was to protect and enhance Cromer's built heritage through a programme of building repairs and environmental improvements within a defined area of specific architectural and historic interest. It also sought to safeguard the long-term future of the town's historic buildings by finding viable economic uses for under-used or vacant floorspace.

The town's historic built heritage was the cornerstone of regeneration in the town. Under the scheme grants offered have enabled 22 historic buildings, identified within the THI area, to receive funding for structural repairs and restoration works. Specific examples of works that were considered for grant assistance include: re-roofing in natural materials traditional to the area; repair and reinstatement of timber windows; repair and reinstatement of chimney stacks; repair of external stonework and brickwork; repointing using traditional materials; repair of retaining walls and iron railings and the reinforcement of historic structures. Priority has been given to those critical buildings considered to be in most urgent need of repair and which are historically and commercially important.

The following are some examples of works that have been completed:

10 Jetty Street was the first building to receive a grant. The scheme of works included extensive roof repairs including treatment to roof structure timbers. The existing chimney was removed and rebuilt using good quality second-hand red facing bricks and new clay pots were provided. All existing rainwater ware was removed and renewed in cast iron. The whole of the front elevation was re-rendered with a traditional lime mortar. All external walls and joinery were redecorated with vapour permeable paints.

Ashbourne House was the second building to receive a THI grant and has seen a most spectacular change. The building was often referred to as "that grey building" due to the paint that covered it. The grey masonry paint was removed using a solution of hydrogen peroxide, an environmentally safe chemical, which does not cause staining. The whole building was re-pointed using lime mortar. There was a major overhaul of all rainwater goods, repairs to the joinery, some re-roofing and new leadwork throughout. The yellow terracotta decoration was badly discoloured and was painted a pale buff colour which successfully reproduced the contrast between the red brickwork and the terracotta that was such an important aspect of the original design.

Works to this 'critical' building were completed in 2006. 'Critical' buildings are those that were identified as being in the most urgent need of repair, and where works would be likely to have the most significant impact. All buildings on Jetty Street are listed, and the street is a prominent approach to the seafront. A comprehensive programme of works at number 12-14 Jetty Street included re-roofing, structural repairs, timber window repairs and replacements, re-rendering using a traditional lime render and overhaul of the rainwater goods. The extensive repairs here have improved not just the building itself, but the street scene as a whole.

Works to Maynard House were completed in 2005. These included roof repairs, patch render repairs and timber window repairs.

Repairs have also been undertaken to the adjoining building:

This 'critical' building was in need of extensive repairs, and was partly vacant. Works had been undertaken to every part of the building, including grant-aided works to the interior to help bring it back into use. It opened as a restaurant in 2006.

This was one of the smaller THI projects, however repair works here have again improved both the appearance of this listed building and High Street as a whole. Works included joinery repairs, renewal of rainwater goods, and re-rendering.

Click on this link to view a complete list of all buildings that have received a grant under the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

For further information regarding the Cromer Townscape Heritage Initiative, please contact North Norfolk District Council, Conservation and Design Section on: Tel: (01263) 516138 or Fax: (01263) 514802 or email: conservationanddesign@north-norfolk.gov.uk