A Spalding heritage institution has ambitious expansion plans, part of which includes turning what is thought to be the oldest surviving building of the town’s former port into a room for community usage.
Blacksmith specialists Chain Bridge Forge wants to purchase 41 High Street, which it calls a ‘sail loft’ that adjoins its current home.
It’s had numerous uses in the past including a fish and chip shop owned by the Rumsey family, but is now a private dwelling.
A business report into the proposal states: “The building we now see standing proudly beside Chain Bridge Forge and dates back to around 1850, is rooted deeply in the rich maritime heritage of the Port of Spalding.
“Originally constructed as a sail loft, it played a pivotal role in the local economy, serving as a centre for the manufacture and repair of sails for the boats that frequented the bustling port.
“Remarkably, historical documents trace the lineage of this building and the adjacent forge back to 1723, marking them as likely the oldest surviving structures linked directly to the Port of Spalding.
“These records not only highlight the architectural evolution of the area but also illustrate the building’s enduring relationship with the maritime community it once served so diligently.
“The sail loft stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of local history, embodying the spirit of resilience and adaptability that defines Spalding itself. Its legacy resonates with the memory of the bustling activities that once filled its walls, reminding us of a time when the port was a heartbeat of trade and community life.”
The group’s business plan states that Spalding has ‘a lack of bookable rooms’ for community use.
It plans to rent out the rooms and also artists studios, stating that those at the nearby Unique Cottage ‘are fully booked’.
The last time the building was up for sale was in November 2023 when its asking price was £125,000.
Of the strategies it’s considering to fund it include using benefactor donations, brokering a specialist mortgage, or renting it from the next buyer, including potentially asking ‘the local council’ to purchase it.
It could also crowd fund the idea as it is already doing with its latest virtual reality project.
“Historically, this location served as a hub for port workers, playing a pivotal role in the bustling activity of the waterfront,” the report continues. “It was a place where people came together, shared stories, and fostered connections. We aim to revive that spirit by creating a multifunctional space that serves the diverse needs of our community.”
