The opportunity has arisen for Shodfriars Hall to be returned to its former glory! A small group of Directors, who currently sit on the Blackfriars Board of Trustees, are conducting a feasibility study which aims to restore the building. The group believe there is a real need to preserve this Historic Grade II* listed building.

They are currently working with heritage professionals on understanding the full scope of the restoration project and have been sucessful in obtaining some funding for the project viability study from National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Architectural Heritage Fund. Boston Big Local have also supported them in these early stages of the project.

They are undertaking a process of surveying Shodfriars to understand the work needed to repair and restore the fabric of the building. This includes restoring some of the magnificent details that still remain, such as the 'Delft' tiles and carved fireplace which dates back to the 1600's, and the minstrels gallery.

Simultaneously they are working with an experienced heritage architect to understand how the building can be sympathetically adapted to modern standards of safety, accessibility and comfort with minimum impact to its historic features.

During this process they are working towards the building's future - how to preserve its heritage and its place in Boston's history, how to bring its story to the local community and how to make it a valuable addition to Boston's Cultural Quarter.

The aim is to transform the whole building into facilities for the people of Boston. Ideas include a large capacity performance, exhibition and function space, meeting and eating spaces, and other recreational spaces for local people to use and enjoy. All along with Shodfriars Coffee Shop that is open and already a big hit!

If you haven’t already completed a survey on The Shodfriars Project, we’d really appreciate it if you did! It only takes a couple of minutes and will really help with the project.