Wisbech High Street re-opens following essential safety work to derelict building

Wisbech High Street has re-opened to traffic this evening following the completion of urgent safety work involving partial demolition of a derelict building.

Contractors working on behalf of Fenland District Council have partially demolished 11-12 High Street after investigations revealed that two walls behind the main façade were structurally unsafe and at risk of collapse.

The High Street was temporarily closed on July 15 to enable the essential works to proceed as quickly and safely as possible.

The works were completed this afternoon, with all the risks identified being made safe. The road is now re-open, ready for business as usual in the town tomorrow morning.

Cllr Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, said: “I’d like to thank local businesses and the community for their patience and understanding while these works were carried out. I’m pleased we were able to take such swift action and make the building safe as quickly as possible.”

The Council purchased 11-12 High Street from its previous owner late last year in order to save it from further dilapidation and bring it back into use as part of its £1.9 million Heritage Lottery-funded Wisbech High Street Project.

Plans have now been drawn up with a developer to regenerate the site with new flats and shops.

It was during initial excavation works in the building’s basement earlier this month that structural issues were found, with further investigations confirming that immediate action was necessary to mitigate any risks.

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