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Priory House has stood at the heart of Dunstable for centuries, with generations of local people passing through its doors. But, like any building with such a long history, time had taken its toll and Priory House was in need of some serious care and attention.
As part of Dunstable’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme, Dunstable Town Council, working in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Historic England, began a programme of essential repairs to protect this much-loved Grade II* listed building for the future.
What followed became a much bigger journey than anyone first anticipated.
As work progressed and layers of the building were carefully uncovered, Priory House began to reveal both its problems and its secrets. Structural issues, damaged historic stonework, ageing roofs and gutters all needed attention, while important original features required specialist conservation.
But there were exciting surprises too. Historic wall paintings and other previously hidden features were uncovered, giving us fascinating new glimpses into the people, stories and changing uses of Priory House over the centuries.
One of the most special parts of the restoration has been seeing traditional craftsmanship in action. Skilled stonemasons, blacksmiths and conservation specialists have worked painstakingly to repair and restore the building using traditional materials and techniques. These are skills that have been used for generations, and it has been wonderful to see them playing such an important part in Priory House’s future.
There have certainly been challenges along the way – as you might expect when working with a building that has hundreds of years of history within its walls! But each stage has brought us closer to seeing Priory House restored, protected and ready to be enjoyed once again.
Today, some of the biggest milestones have been reached. The building has been made structurally secure and, after years behind scaffolding and hoardings, its beautiful historic exterior can once again be seen and enjoyed.
And while much of the most visible work has been happening outside, plenty has been going on behind the scenes too.
We’re now creating a completely refreshed experience for visitors, with new exhibitions bringing the stories of Priory House and Dunstable to life, alongside a welcoming gift shop, spaces for events and activities, and an improved food and drink offer.
The final pieces of the puzzle are now coming together. The exhibition is taking shape, recruitment and staff training are underway, and preparations are being made throughout the building ready to welcome people back through the doors.
When Priory House reopens in early 2027, it won’t simply mark the end of a restoration project.
It will be the beginning of a new chapter. A chance to rediscover a building that has been part of Dunstable’s story for centuries and to make it a place where people can pause, play and ponder.
