Restoration completed on historic building

An historic building in Northwich has been restored as part of a major heritage project, which will see more of the town’s buildings given a new lease of life.

The Northwich Townscape Heritage Project has announced the completion of work to restore the exterior of the former Burton building on Witton Street.

With funding from a National Lottery Heritage Fund partnership grant scheme with Cheshire West and Chester Council, the front elevation of the building has been refurbished.

Former features such as the initials ‘CJH’ and the date ‘1893’ have been reinstated on the front gable to match the original look.

‘CJH’ represents Charles James Hughes, whose firm of auctioneers and valuers originally occupied the building in 1893.

A new tenant is due to move into the building later this year, heralding a new era for the building.

Five other buildings are to be renovated at the top of Witton Street, as part of the heritage project. Scheduled for refurbishment are Crane Counselling Shop, Northwich Dry Cleaners and Northwich Art Shop, Quartz Hair & Beauty and the Golden Horse.

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy and Regeneration, said: “The old buildings in Northwich are amongst the greatest treasures in our borough, and it is fantastic how the old Burton’s building has been restored. It is unique to Northwich and seeing it as it is now is a fantastic way to celebrate its long history.

“Local councillors in Northwich have worked hard, with council officers and key partners, to deliver the Northwich Townscape Heritage Project. Clearly it is really benefitting areas of the town and we can all look forward to seeing the results of the improvements being made to the other historic, timber-framed buildings on Witton Street.”

This work is part of a wider scheme that focuses on the arts and culture of Northwich. The Library is undergoing a scheme of investment, Applemarket Place has been supporting local businesses with alfresco space and will be hosting a number of events this year that are built upon the heritage of the town.

Details about the Northwich Townscape Heritage Project are available at:

www.northwich-th.co.uk/

Using money raised by the National Lottery, the National Lottery Heritage Fund inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.

www.heritagefund.org.uk.

Pre 1893, a pair of brick-built shops stood on the site on Witton Street, which in the early 19th century had been used as a vicarage.

Charles James Hughes’ firm of auctioneers & valuers were the original occupants in 1893.

Later, in 1906, Jackson's Stores Limited, house furnishers took over the ground floor shop area, whilst Charles James Hughes remained on the floors above until 1923.

In 1923 Montague Burton Ltd, tailors, took over the ground floor and part of the first floor and had been there ever since until the Arcadia Group, which Burton’s were a part of, failed in 2021. 

The offices had remained on the first floor, being occupied by different firms over the years, including the Kitty Oakes, Mid-Cheshire School of Dancing (1929-39) and L. Butterworth, ladies' hairdresser (1925-34).  Each office had its own wooden front door and brass letter box.

Pictured - The former Burton’s building on Witton Street in Northwich.

Photo credits: Sue Wakeford. Brett Langston, Research & Collections Access Officer, Cheshire Archives.