The George Pub

by | Jan 31, 2025 | 0 comments

The George Pub

Client: The George Community Pub (Wickham Market) Ltd

Dates: Development Phase – 2019, Delivery Phase 2020 – 2025

Budget: £1.468 million (£988,200 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant)

Project: Restoring and Reimagining Wickham Market’s Historic Pub

The George Pub, a Grade II listed building with parts dating back to the late 15th or early 16th century, has long been a focal point of Wickham Market. Following significant damage from a fire in 2013, the building became a high-priority entry on Suffolk County’s Historic Buildings at Risk Register. In response, the local community rallied to restore and reopen The George as a vibrant community hub, forming The George Community Pub (Wickham Market) Ltd to lead this ambitious project.

The George Pub project was submitted to The National Lottery Heritage Fund as a Heritage Enterprise Project. It secured a grant to cover the conservation deficit, supporting the reuse of historic buildings where the costs are not commercially viable. In December 2022, a £988,200 grant was secured, alongside funding from the Community Ownership Fund, a Co-op loan, and share sale. The funding gap was closed in June 2023 bringing the restoration within reach.

The project aims to do more than just restore the pub’s former glory. It seeks to establish The George as a welcoming and inclusive gathering spot for locals, social groups, and diners alike, with a room for community activities. During the Delivery Phase there have been hard hat tours, training opportunities for young people studying at local colleges and pop up events

Alix Slater Consultancy & Training Ltd helped the volunteers with their original Round 1 application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a Heritage Enterprise grant. She then supported their Activity Statement and was appointed as the Evaluation Consultant. She has mentored the core team with their Activity Statement, designed research instruments, and prepared interim and summative reports.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s objectives concerning heritage, people, and places have been at the forefront of this project. By consistently incorporating heritage engagement activities, the reopening of the pub is anticipated to create a community-owned resource that captures the collective identity and history of Wickham Market. The George will act as a vital community asset, bridging the past and the future, while its restoration showcases how heritage initiatives can enhance local pride, promote sustainability, and empower communities.