Dunstable's historic High Street shop fronts to be restored

The Moore's building in Dunstable, pictured in 1973. The shop closed in 2008

Restoration work is about to begin on historic buildings on a High Street.

Numbers 21-23 on High Street South in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, have modern shop fronts, but they originally date back to the 18th Century.

Since 1793 the shops have been occupied by businesses including tailors, hat makers, printers and Boots the chemist.

Using government funding, Historic England is working with the town council to "repair and reinstate the historic architectural features".

The shop fronts, pictured in 1905, were used for businesses including dressmaking, printing and ironmongery

Number 21 first appeared in local records on 31 December 1793 and was occupied by tailor Richard Underwood.

In 1851, James Tibbett, a printer and stationer, rented the property and went on to start the town's first newspaper, The Dunstable Chronicle.

It was later occupied by different professionals, such as drapers and dressmakers, ironmongers, a watchmaker and jeweller, and a milliner.

Historic England said the current "minimalist frontage" was created between 1956 and 1964 for Moore's store, which expanded to the adjacent building 23.

Number 23 was first run as a trade unit from 1839 by surgeon William Batchelor, then subsequently by dressmakers, hat makers and later, Boots the chemist.

The site has been empty since 2008 when Moore's closed down.

The building frontage today dates back to the post-war period

Capital Developments Group has consented to the works, which will also include the repair of the roof and reinstatement of first floor windows.

It will "open up closed commercial space" on the ground floor and provide residential accommodation above.

Dunstable town mayor Liz Jones said she would be "delighted to witness" the restoration of the shop fronts.

"The historic Moore's building is a monumental asset to Dunstable's High Street.

"The works will revitalise its purpose and secure a future where the building remains integral to the Dunstable Conservation Area for generations to come,'' she said.

Tony Calladine, East of England regional director for Historic England, said: "It's great to see the repair and restoration of 21-23 High Street South get under way.

"These buildings have fascinating local history and I look forward to seeing their character revealed and the properties revitalised for future use."