This month, Gloucester Civic Trust was awarded its largest ever grant of almost £381,000 as part of Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund. The fund is to complete the restoration of the Pin Factory Annexe: part of a complex of historic buildings that make up The Folk of Gloucester, a heritage community centre on Westgate Street.
Once an 18th Century pin factory and originally a 16th Century barn, restoration of the Pin Factory Annexe began earlier this year with the successful repair of its façade and historic sash windows. The next stage will focus on stabilising the rear of the building, updating the interior to align with modern fire safety standards, and removing 1980s alterations to expose an original 16th Century timber framed wall. Part of the building’s roof will be replaced and sections of the timber frame repaired using seasoned oak.
The overall aim is to bring this unique and attractive building back into regular community use. Once structurally sound and safe to use, the spaces can be devoted to displays, exhibitions, workshops and community events, serving the local area while preserving an important part of the city’s industrial history.
As part of this, a secret garden that has been inaccessible for years will be reopened. The hidden walled courtyard sits behind the Pin Factory Annexe and beside a ruined former smithy. The area will be cleared of rubble and foliage, the unstable masonry secured, and a pergola installed, paving the way for a beautiful seating area.
The secret garden is flanked by the former Wheelwright’s workshop
“The aim is to have a fully open event space alongside a fully usable Pin Factory Annexe,” says Martyn White, Chairman of Gloucester Civic Trust. “This can help secure the future of The Folk of Gloucester by providing much-needed income streams.”
The vision could not be achieved without a practical plan of action drawn up with the guidance of conservation professionals. To this end, the Architectural Heritage Fund has awarded Gloucester Civic Trust an additional £32,500 to cover this work.
The Folk of Gloucester’s buildings were formerly home to Gloucester Folk Museum, which closed its doors in 2019. Two years later, it was taken over by Gloucester Civic Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving and promoting Gloucester’s architectural heritage.
“Gloucester Civic Trust has been spectacularly successful in working closely with professionals, planners and funders since we took over The Folk of Gloucester in 2021. We have so far brought into the city around £1.3 million, mainly towards restoration works, but also with a substantial amount to help The Folk become self-sustaining,” says Martyn White.
The ground floor of the Pin Factory Annexe has the potential to become an attractive bar and catering area