Privately owned building refurbishment

4 High Street South

The owner of Number 4 High Street South, a key building in Dunstable’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), has chosen to withdraw from the programme for the time being, whilst officers continue to explore ways in which to preserve this historic building.

When you arrive at Dunstable’s crossroads, a frequent question asked is: “What’s the plan with that building?”

That building is Number 4 High Street South, which is fondly remembered as a former butcher, Tilley’s.  The Town Council knows how important this building is to the residents of Dunstable and this was one of the reasons why we looked to obtain High Street Heritage Action Zone funding, as previous efforts to bring life back into this building had failed.

Since August 2020, officers at Dunstable Town Council have been encouraging the owners to be part of the HSHAZ scheme, and with the support of skilled colleagues at Historic England and Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) have been successfully working with the current owners since February 2021. However, this relationship has, at least for the time being, come to an end. Although, never say never, as none of the parties involved have given up.

To date, much work has taken place at the property, although it may not be visible from the outside. Numerous surveys have been undertaken to more fully understand the history of the building and the extent of the repair works required. Conservation Accredited Architects (Conception Architecture) have been engaged in drawing up design options and costs; designs that would meet modern day needs whilst retaining the building’s important architectural features.

Behind the scenes there have been many conversations, and time spent trying to find a viable option that would work for the owners, the local planning authority (CBC), and the funder. Recently though it became clear that the current plans to bring this building back to life as part of the HSHAZ were just not feasible.  Escalating costs of building materials and labour have not helped, but the complexity of the building (far greater than anyone had anticipated) means that there is no easy or affordable option. But we hope there are still options for the future.

With extensive experience in supporting the repair and reuse of historic buildings, Historic England is keen to exhaust all potential options in order to preserve and protect the building. As part of this, they are exploring the possibility of the site being used to train the future craft and trades people required to restore historic buildings.

For now, the building is no longer part of the HSHAZ, which ends in March 2024. Focus of this will now turn to other buildings in the HSHAZ area in need of works.

Councillor Peter Hollick, Chair of Community Services, Dunstable Town Council says “It was always the hope of the Town Council that by the end of the programme we would be looking at a repaired number 4, and it is looking increasingly likely that this will not be the case.  However, what we will be able to say is that we have learnt a lot more about this historic building and the complexities of preserving such buildings when working with private owners, and that we have done everything that we can to try and ensure its future. Whilst the public might be disappointed in the outcome, the Town Council equally share these frustrations, but knows all that could be done has been done. Colleagues at Historic England equally have been and are working hard to explore alternative routes and this determined attitude is something everyone has to admire and appreciate.”