Project Details
| Client | City of Lincoln Council |
| Location | Lincoln |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Type of Work | Restoration |
| Contract Type | Heritage Restoration & Conservation |
| Value | £150,000 |
Description
Preserving a Lincoln Landmark
The restoration of Stokes Café was driven by a shared commitment to preserve one of Lincoln’s most iconic historic buildings while ensuring it remains an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Situated within a Grade I listed 16th-century building on Lincoln High Street, Stokes Café is a treasured part of the city’s heritage. Appointed by the City of Lincoln Council, The Gelder Group delivered a carefully planned programme of conservation works that protected the building’s historic character while enhancing its appearance, longevity and functionality.
Working within one of Lincoln’s busiest city centre locations required not only specialist heritage expertise but also a collaborative approach, meticulous planning and proactive communication to ensure the café remained operational throughout the project with minimal disruption.
Points to Consider
Restoring a Grade I listed building in the heart of Lincoln presented several unique challenges. Our experienced team successfully managed every aspect of the project through careful planning and close collaboration.
Live City Centre Environment
Located on Lincoln’s busy High Street, adjacent to the historic Glory Hole passage, the project required detailed logistical planning to safely manage pedestrians, neighbouring businesses and deliveries while maintaining uninterrupted access throughout the works.
Heritage Conservation
Working on a 16th-century Grade I listed building demanded specialist conservation techniques, traditional materials and exceptional attention to detail. Every repair was carefully considered to preserve the building’s historic significance whilst extending its lifespan.
Business Continuity
Maintaining normal trading for Stokes Café throughout the six-to-eight-week programme was a key priority. Regular communication, coordinated planning and flexible site management ensured disruption was kept to an absolute minimum for staff, customers and neighbouring businesses.
Solutions & Technical Specifications
The Gelder Group delivered a comprehensive programme of restoration works designed to preserve the building for future generations while enhancing both its appearance and structural integrity.
Roof Restoration
Complete renewal of the west-facing roof using traditional rosemary clay tiles, preserving the building’s historic character whilst improving weather resistance.
Façade Restoration
Comprehensive repairs, cleaning and redecoration to both front and rear elevations, carefully restoring the building’s original appearance.
Structural Repairs
Specialist structural repairs undertaken to strengthen and safeguard the centuries-old building, ensuring its long-term stability.
Window Improvements
Careful refurbishment and repairs to existing windows, improving both appearance and performance whilst respecting the listed building requirements.
Building Protection
Installation of new bird-proofing measures together with external cleaning to help preserve the fabric of the building and reduce future maintenance requirements.
The People Behind the Project
The success of this complex conservation project was driven by the dedication and professionalism of The Gelder Group’s team.
Led by Contract Manager Paul Staines, extensive planning meetings were held prior to commencement with City of Lincoln Council representatives and Stokes Café management to ensure every stage of the project was carefully coordinated.
Throughout the programme, regular site meetings, progress updates and proactive communication enabled the café to continue trading while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and workmanship. Challenges were addressed quickly and professionally, resulting in a successful project completed to programme and to an exceptionally high standard.
Community Impact
The restoration of Stokes Café has preserved one of Lincoln’s most recognisable historic buildings, protecting an important part of the city’s heritage for future generations.
Beyond safeguarding the fabric of the building, the project has enhanced the appearance of Lincoln’s High Street, supported a thriving local business and demonstrated how careful collaboration between the City of Lincoln Council, The Gelder Group and the café management can successfully deliver sensitive heritage projects within a busy city centre environment.
The completed restoration ensures this much-loved landmark will continue welcoming residents and visitors while contributing to the ongoing vitality and character of Lincoln’s historic centre.
City of Lincoln Council
“The works have been completed to a high standard, to specification and the building is now watertight, with a fresh and clean finish and new bird-proofing. Overall, we are very happy with the works, the management of the project throughout and the finished product.
It is fair to say there were challenges throughout the project, but these were managed and dealt with in a timely and professional manner by Paul and his staff and contractors. The communication, planning and site management throughout the works were exceptional.”
