Two landmark buildings in the heart of Newport's conservation area have undergone remarkable transformations.
Major renovations of the former Phones 4U shop at the junction of St James' Street and the High Street, and the Halifax bank on the opposite corner, have been completed in recent months.
The buildings were identified as priority sites by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council which funds extra capacity within the Isle of Wight Council's planning enforcement team to investigate local planning issues.
Originally the Lamb Tavern, 50 High Street fell into disrepair following the collapse of the national mobile phone retailer Phones 4U in September 2014.
A Section 215 notice ordering the owners to restore the prominent Grade II listed building to its former glory was served by the council in 2018, but progress was painfully slow.
First the pandemic hit and then it was discovered the roof was in need of urgent repairs.
A unique feature of the former tavern dating back to 1871 was its beautiful mosaic tilework and wooden latticework which adorn the ground floor window and door frames.
The council insisted these bespoke features — many of which were either broken beyond repair or missing — be restored to preserve the historic character of the building.
With no suitable option available off the shelf, replica tiles were painstakingly hand-crafted, painted and glazed, and secured onto new wooden pillars and surrounds.
With the work signed off by the council's conservation officer, the project was complete.
Not only that, Fone Corner, a new business, opened its doors, finally bringing this long empty building back into use.
Meanwhile, closeby, the Halifax emerged from its shroud of scaffolding to reveal a much-improved new look.
The work followed sustained pressure from the council which at one point advised enforcement action was likely unless something was done to repair windows and masonry which were in a poor condition.
Works to the Grade II listed building were extensive involving sympathetic repairs to the original windows, repairs to the masonry and decoration using breathable paint, and roof repairs with natural slate and new cast iron rainwater goods.
Other buildings in and around the town centre have also been sensitively restored as a result of the successful collaboration between the two councils. This includes the O2 shop opposite the Guildhall.
All town, parish and community councils on the Island have the opportunity to top up the 'core' service they receive from the planning enforcement team by funding — either individually or collectively — additional extra capacity to address locally identified priorities.
Cllr Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, said:
"It's great to see this close collaboration between two councils which is helping to bring vitality back into Newport town centre and enhance the conservation area and the Newport High Street Heritage Action Zone.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and persistence in bringing about these improvements, and of course the owners themselves for all they've done to restore these magnificent buildings to their former glory.
"We know there are other buildings in urgent need of repair across the Island and we will continue to ensure these eyesores are restored and brought back into use."
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