A return to the 1940s for frontage of Newark business

Travail Employment Group is a late-Georgian, Grade II listed property that has been much altered over time. The new frontage, designed by architectural firm Smith & Roper, sees a hand-painted sign installed and other features to preserve its special architectural and historical interest, improving its appearance on a key gateway to the Market Place at the corner of Bridge Street with Appleton Gate. The design will reference the appearance of the building in the 1940s when it was part of the Knight Dickens (Wine & Spirit and Grocers) shop.

Travail Employment Group at 1 Appleton Gate had their planning application approved to replace their frontage with a more historically sympathetic approach. The shop is located within Newark's Conservation Area boundary, which was originally designated in 1968 and was reviewed and extended in November 2022.

Work has been enabled thanks to Newark and Sherwood District Council securing £275,000 of funding from Historic England's High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which was established to promote the vitality of town centres by protecting, enhancing and celebrating heritage. The project is being funded through this investment with contributions from the District Council and building owners.

Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: "Working with Travails Employment Group to transform the frontage of 1 Appleton Gate has been great and all sides are incredibly enthusiastic.

"I am really pleased to see that work is complete and the front has been altered to reflect its 1940s appearance. The new shopfront looks brilliant and is a wonderful addition to the town.”

Lisa Abel, Director at Travail Employment Group, said: "Our Travail office is in a late-Georgian property, but over the years, there have been many changes which unfortunately have not enhanced the frontage in any way, and we are excited to be part of this scheme which will once again allow the original character of the building to shine. 

"Working with Newark and Sherwood District Council, we have been able to secure funding from Historic England's High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme and are delighted to be working with Architectural firm Smith & Roper and local joiners Kirk and Bills to bring the vision to life.

“We have really enjoyed watching the changes and just love the final results.”

Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Midlands Regional Director, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Newark and Sherwood District Council to protect and enhance Newark’s heritage. High Street Heritage Action Zones are all about repurposing and re-designing the public realm to create more appealing public spaces, and I look forward to seeing how the new frontage at 1 Appleton gate will compliment Newark’s attractive and historically significant core of medieval and Georgian buildings.”