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In 2017 we inherited the semi derelict warehouse behind 68 Southgate, Sleaford. Formerly stables and part of the curtilage of the original Nag’s Head Pub, a second storey was added in Victorian times and the warehouse eventually became storage for the Hix (Sleaford) Ltd grocer and greengrocer business.

Our first thought was to ask NKDC for advice - we had no idea where to begin in terms of renovation, what might be possible, what might be permissible and what Sleaford might need. The building was an eyesore as well as becoming unsafe and open to the elements and we had no experience of planning and potential future use. Key contacts at NKDC and their introductions to the LEADER Team were certainly a pinnacle part of the process.

We were advised to begin with a structural survey, explore whether the building was listed, meet NKDC’s business advisor, Phil Means to discuss setting up a business and how to begin looking at our funding options.

We engaged a local architect who worked with us on ideas and plans to sympathetically renovate the building, and to liaise with NKDC Planning and we were finally successful with our application. Alongside this, LEADER personnel introduced us to the LEADER grant funding process, guiding us through their process to a successful outcome.

Despite countless delays due to Covid, we were very fortunate to complete the renovation within LEADER grant deadlines at the end of 2020.

We are pleased to now have a fully renovated functional building - a new business unit offering office/workspace over two floors, located in the centre of Sleaford.

We are hugely grateful to all the individuals who gave advice and support throughout - to NKDC for their expertise, interest and advice, to our patient and professional architect and to LEADER for their support, advice and funding - we could not have completed our project without the assistance of so many professional experts in their field.

Christine Barnes and Janice Hix, , Hix Partnership renovate derelict warehouse in Sleaford