Restoring Middleton’s glory – Broadbent’s gets a new look

Broadbent’s restored to glory days

A landmark building on Middleton’s main street is celebrating its £75,000 heritage update.

Broadbent’s, of 65 Long Street, has undergone major work throughout 2013 as part of an on-going Edgar Wood and Middleton Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) funded by a £1.9m Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the Council and the shop owners.

The project at Broadbent’s has restored this property to its former glory, standing once again as an outstanding example of Georgian architecture at one of the main gateways into the town.

The building has been carefully and respectfully restored benefitting from:

• Extensive repairs to its traditional stone tiled roof 
• The fitting of Georgian style windows
• The removal of cement mock Tudor render 
• Restoration of traditional render 
• Enhanced period decoration

For proprietors  Steve Smith and his parents John, 84, and Amy, 83, the founders of the business in 1989, the changes mark a new dawn for the historic high street and their business.

He added: “The building was shouting out for work to be done to it. It’s got to be good for the business.”

The shop, sited just off the main roundabout, was already a well-known landmark with its mock timber appearance. Early records show the building marked on an 1839 plan, although its Georgian style indicates it was possibly built even earlier.

“I’ve always loved Middleton – it’s a wonderful little town,” Steve continued, adding that his shop re-vamp made it even “more appealing” and he hoped it would help boost the town as a place to shop and live.

The shop has remained open for business during the extensive restoration project. Steve insists it has all been worthwhile: “It’s looking magnificent. It’s a real eye-catcher. We’ve got these wonderful sash windows going back more than a hundred years. It looks like the buildings that made Chester or York famous.”

Conservation Surveyor Lynda Jubb, who has advised on the project, and is also Chairman of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Building Conservation Forum, said: “We used old photographs to see what the windows would have been like and we were pleased to see that parts of the old shop front were clearly still remaining, even though the glazing bars had been taken out – we restored some of those. The craftsmen have done excellent work on the roof, walls, windows and shop front. 

"Both the Broadbent’s team and John Hick’s building team have been a joy to work with.”

The original shop front window would have featured small panes, and small paned casements have now been installed in the top floor. With traditional choice of colour – black and white and a cream lime wash on the walls, the building is now truly restored to its former glory days.

Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development and customer services at Rochdale Borough Council said: “We’re lucky that our towns boast some incredible architecture that is both ornate and beautiful. The careful restoration of these buildings is supported by the Council to preserve our heritage and unique landmarks.”

Councillor June West chairwoman of Middleton Township and board member of the THI Group, added: “I’m so pleased we have been able to complete the restoration of this gateway Georgian building, whilst an important Middleton business has been able to continue trading un-interrupted."

If you have a historic building within Middleton town centre which you think might qualify for grant-aided THI work contact Conservation Project Officer Kerrie Smith at the Edgar Wood and Middleton Townscape Heritage Initiative, 01706 924352 Kerrie.Smith@Rochdale.gov.uk