Restoration work starts at Victorian council HQ

The front of the building is now covered in scaffolding

A major renovation of Market Harborough's historical Symington Building has begun.

Harborough District Council, which uses the 1889-built former corset factory as its headquarters, said repairs were needed to address damage to the leaking roof, brickwork facade, and the building's tower.

The project will cost £1.12m, the authority said.

The council said the building would remain open as normal during the work, which is expected to continue until March 2026.

The Symington Building is also home to the Harborough Museum, the town's library, job centre and Citizens Advice centre, a coffee shop and an ice cream parlour.

The council said parts of the brickwork had become damaged over time

The building's damaged windows are to be replaced

A council survey of the Grade II listed building found that its brickwork had deteriorated over the years and windows needed to be replaced. Sections of the lead roof were also found to be leaking during rainfall.

Council leader Phil Knowles said: "The Symington Building is one of our district's iconic community assets and an important part of our shared history that we must not lose.

"Historic buildings need to be maintained, and that is why we made budget provision earlier in the year for the upkeep of this landmark building.

"As the current custodians of the Symington Building, we are investing now to preserve it for future generations."