High Street Project Update: Application Approved - October 2019

Application approved: further progress on the Wisbech High Street Project

Planning approval has now been granted for demolition works to 11 and 12 High Street, forming the first stage of an exciting redevelopment project.

Following the transfer of the derelict properties at 11 and 12 High Street to Fenland District Council in February, two phases of urgent demolition works have been completed to make the site safe for the public and contractors to undertake their site investigations.

On October 9^th, the Council’s Planning Committee approved the planning application for the redevelopment of the site and the application for its de-listing and demolition works. Supported by a generous grant from the Wisbech High Street Project, the plan is to sympathetically re-build the façade, reinstate retail on the ground floor and erect residential units above and to the rear.

Following planning consent in July 2019, demolition works are due to commence shortly to a building at the rear of 24 High Street. Removal of this structure will allow for the redevelopment of this derelict site, known as “The Gap”. Before demolition commences, the Council is required to secure agreement from all neighbouring properties affected by the removal of the structure and to undertake further ecological assessments to ensure that any potential wildlife is not adversely impacted by the works. It is anticipated that demolition will be complete by the end of the year.

The Council has also agreed to fund a further four properties to deliver significant improvement works and is awaiting the start date from the owners. The agreed schemes will include reinstatement of traditional shopfronts, redecoration of others, repair and renovation of brickwork and conversion of the upper floors to residential use. These works will make a huge impact, with the upper floors of one property being brought back into use after remaining vacant for over 30 years. A number of other properties are also lined up to benefit from a grant once the owners have secured quotations and submitted their project applications.