Shoe Shop Has Historically Significant Plasterwork Ceiling

An unassuming shoe shop in Gloucester city centre houses a nationally important carved plasterwork ceiling, which is currently undergoing conservation work. Gloucestershire Live reports that the plans are being carried out as part of a £1.9m project to restore some neglected historical buildings on Westgate Street.

14 Westgate Street is Meek’s Shoes & Accessories to the high street shoppers. However, to conservationists, it is also a Grade II* listed building, with an 18th century frontage, and a 16th century wing with an ornate carved plasterwork ceiling. The damaged plasterwork is being restored, and the traditional façade of the shop is being reinstated.

The area is part of the city’s Cathedral Quarter, and a Heritage Action Zone, funded by Gloucester City Council and Historic England, is underway to renovate and restore many of the original buildings in the area, some of which date back to the 12th century.

City council leader Richard Cook said: "It's just one part of many areas of work we are doing to regenerate the city centre. You can't tear it all down and rebuild it. I wrote a letter recently to Government saying that the worst thing they could be doing is demolishing everything.”

He added: “They need to be repurposing buildings as it is the best way of keeping cost and carbon emissions as low as possible. That's what's important about the work we are doing in Westgate Street. By renewing and repurposing what is already there and enabling it for housing you are killing every bird with that one stone.”

Westgate links the beautiful medieval cathedral with the main shopping area of the city. It was once home to many thriving shops and businesses, but now several properties have become vacant. It is hoped that the improvements will attract new owners who value and celebrate the unique historical flavour of the area.

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