Works to restore historic Westgate Hall in Grantham continue to progress despite challenges

Works to restore a historic hall and use it as a high-end restaurant are continuing to progress, despite challenges.

Westgate Hall in Grantham is being restored, with works to make the Grade II listed building water tight expected to be completed by September.

This work is being made possible with a £300,000 grant made through the Grantham High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, funded by Historic England and SKDC, which will cover urgent repairs and necessary improvements.

The remaining repair costs will be funded by the property owner, while the new tenant, restaurateur Ade Adeshina, will support financing new décor, fixtures and fittings.

Ade, who has previously worked for top chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, is behind the project, which could create an estimated 30 new jobs.

He runs the Chubby Castor, near Peterborough, which he said was a similar project to the one at Westgate Hall, so he has the “patience” to see this through.

The Chubby Castor is recommended in the prestigious Michelin Guide and has received three AA Rosettes.

Ade said: “[Westgate Hall is] shaping up okay, we’re making sure everything is water tight.

“We will make the best use of the building itself.”

When asked what drew him to Westgate Hall, Ade said: “I love buildings. I’m one of those guys. I got in contact with Louise and started from there.

“I think it will be great for the whole of Lincolnshire and especially for Grantham. This place has so much history.”

Built originally as a corn exchange in 1852, Westgate Hall was used by the suffragettes in 1912 as they marched from Edinburgh to London, and most recently as Jaspers Nightclub.

When the project is completed, the 70-seater restaurant will include a large private dining room, cocktail bar, lounge and open kitchens. It is being designed to be respectful of the historic building, with minimal alterations.

Andrew McDowall, of Evans McDowall Architects, said: “Works at Westgate Hall are progressing well, with the initial strip out and preparatory works now well underway with completion of this phase of work due for completion in September.

“We are eager to see the next phase of restoration and repair works commence, including structural repairs to the roof, the installation of some new hexagonal rooflights above the main hall and new joinery including new windows and doors.”

Nicola McCoy-Brown, SKDC’s director of growth and culture, spoke more about the “important landmark”.

She said: "The grant for this important landmark building has come via the Grantham High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, funded by Historic England and SKDC.

"Our economic development staff have worked closely with the owner for some time now in securing the necessary gap funding required to sensitively renovate and repurpose this important heritage asset.

“We are confident the new tenant will also invest in this venue.

"This positive step is bringing new vitality to the premises and a real difference to Grantham by attracting people in, supporting local tourism – and will be a welcome boost to the evening and night-time economy of the town centre.

"Westgate Hall is an iconic, much-loved feature of the town which has had many uses throughout its history.

“Each has one thing in common, it has always been somewhere for the people of Grantham to join together. This project continues that theme."

Clive Fletcher, lead specialist in historic places at Historic England has been working on projects in Grantham since 2015.

He said: “It’s about giving people the confidence to invest in Grantham. South Kesteven is a wonderful place and it deserves the market town that Grantham can be.

“Grantham has good links to London. There’s no reason why it can’t be a thriving place for families to spend time.

“When historic buildings are restored, they are ideal for businesses to thrive in and that is the rationale behind the whole project.”

Stuart Dandridge, contracts manager for Messenger, the building company carrying out the Historic England restoration work, said that the project had been “challenging”.

He continued: “Unfortunately, the building is in decay. As we have been uncovering different areas, we are finding new things to do.

“The relationship between contractors, architects and the owner is very good.”

Stuart is also currently working on the Royal Hospital Chelsea, but said Westgate Hall has its own challenges.

John Manterfield, chair of Grantham Civic Society, said: “GCS is delighted that this important building in Grantham, dating back to 1854, is being repurposed with an exciting new development.”