Seamans Building is delighted to have been chosen to rebuild a much-loved community pub in Suffolk – which was destroyed in a devastating fire ten years ago.
The George in Wickham Market is set to rise from the ashes after a dedicated team of volunteers raised £1.5million for its renovation.
The restoration project is set to start within weeks thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Community Share Booster Programme, Co-op Finance and The Community Ownership Fund – which is part of the Government’s Levelling Up programme.
Seamans Building is proud to have been selected to take on the renovation of this beautiful grade II listed building.
Ben Whatling, Production Director at Seamans, said: “The George is an important building in the town and we are looking forward to bringing it back to life.
“This renovation is only possible due to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who worked so hard securing funding.
“We are excited to start this brilliant project – we know how much it means to the town and will make sure the George is put back to its former glory.”
The building, which is Wickham Market’s last remaining pub, was previously believed to have been built in the 17th century but is now thought to date back to the early 16th century and the time of King Henry VIII.
The building was destroyed in a fire in April 2013 and had remained closed ever since.
A spokesman for the George Committee, said: “Without the success of this project this important Grade II listed building would have been demolished and lost forever.
“We can now ensure that The George will be saved to serve many generations to come.
“As an inclusive, friendly place to meet and eat with friends and family it will be the ‘peoples pub’ and the heartbeat of a thriving village.
“We thank everyone that have helped with their belief and investment including National Lottery players everywhere”.
For more information about the project, visit www.wmgeorge.co.uk