Situated in one of Ampthill’s most recognisable locations, 3–5 Church Street is a Grade II listed building with a proud history and a prominent shopfront that, over time, had lost much of its historic charm. Exactly one year ago, we were asked to bring it back to life — not by modernising, but by restoring its original character with care and authenticity.

Working closely with the building’s owner and the council, we set out a 31-page scope of works and a clear three-step mission: Preserve, Restore, Re-use. Our approach was rooted in conservation-led methods, following SPAB’s technical advice for repairing wooden windows and the Georgian Group’s restoration guidance.

The work included a full refurbishment of the original sash windows, restoration of the shopfront, timber doors, and traditional signage. Every material was chosen to respect the building’s listed status — from heritage-grade linseed oil paint by Brouns & Co, coloured with burnt bone pigment for a rich Georgian/Victorian deep black finish, to traditional putties that ensured long-term durability.

In September 2024, scaffolding went up and the transformation began. Just a week later, a grab lorry struck the scaffold, damaging both it and the brickwork. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the site had to be made safe, and works paused for a month while assessments took place. By November, the scaffold came down just in time for Ampthill’s Christmas light switch-on, revealing the fully restored windows, with only the ground floor works remaining.

Through the long winter and an unpredictable spring, we waited for the right conditions to complete the shopfront. Late summer 2025 finally gave us the chance to finish the project, bringing it to completion on 14th August 2025 — exactly one year to the day from when we began.

This respectful restoration has reinstated the building’s architectural presence and returned a piece of Ampthill’s history to its rightful place at the heart of the town. What once had faded into the background now proudly stands as a reminder of how careful craftsmanship, heritage expertise, and patience can breathe new life into a landmark