Landmark rail cafe restoration reaches milestone

Work to restore a 178-year-old building is progressing as the first cast iron sections have been returned to the site.

Built in 1847, The Mermaid Cafe at Cleethorpes Railway Station is undergoing a major restoration to its wood and ironwork.

The cast iron conservation is being carried out by specialist company Calibre Metalwork, with the aim to ensure the corrosive sea air does not attack the metal framework.

Work began in December and is due to finish in the summer, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) said.

The process of cast iron conservation included blast cleaning the metalwork to remove the paintwork layers and any corrosion, before applying chemicals to remove any remaining salt.

Repairs were then made if required and it was cleaned again before being primed and painted.

Stonework around the building had also been recreated by Paul Booth Stonemasonry.

By the end of the restoration, the project would see conservation work to the iron framework of the building, the timber elements and re-roofing.

The cast iron gutters and downpipes were also set to be replaced.

Andy Chant from Calibre Metalwork, said: "It's been a challenging project overall – the thing with these types of project is they're not meant to be dismantled in pieces."

He added: "It's a job we've really enjoyed doing, though – and as long as it's maintained, it should be fine for another 150 years."

Carol Heidschuster, project manager for the Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage programme, said "a real collaboration of contractors" have been involved in the work.

"The building will be completely transformed when the scaffolding comes down," she said.

The listed building on the North Prom sea front was constructed as a waiting room for the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. It was set to be repainted in these company colours.

Funding for the restoration work came from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Railway Trust as part of the Discover Cleethorpes Heritage Townscape Heritage Programme.

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