Long Sutton's former Barton's Butchers shop in Market Street has undergone a colourful and welcome facelift
A walk or drive through Long Sutton town centre is brighter and more pleasant following a makeover for a long-time derelict building.
The finishing touches are being put to a one-time butcher's shop, at the corner of Bull Lane and Market Street, which has been transformed by developers Sean and Dana Portass.
What was once described as "unsightly and deteriorating", according to a report on derelict sites by South Holland District Council in 2014, has now become an attractive and welcome entrance to the town.
Sean, who was also behind the renovations to Palmers, The Granary and The Ship pubs in Long Sutton, said: "This project is the one that's probably had the most comments from people because there's been such a massive change from what it was.
"It was virtually derelict when we started on it last year and we had to do most of the groundwork first because the building was still attached to The Granary.
"We brought a main contractor, Luke Lovegrove, to do all the brickwork and used builders who I've worked with before to do all the lighting, plumbing and electrical work which we're now finishing off.
"The building's location is one of the main things that has made this project different because it's one of the first things people see when they come through Long Sutton."
Originally built in the 18th century, the building was once home to an abattoir before it was turned into Barlings' Butchers.
In the 1950s, it was renamed A.B. Barton Butchers which traded until 1988 after which the building fell into disrepair and became a target for vandals.
Dana said: "Everybody in Long Sutton knew that something needed to be done because the building has looked so ugly for so long.
"Our plan for the building is to have a ground floor shop, with a four- bedroom apartment on the first floor and a three- bedroom apartment on the second floor."
Sean added: "People have noticed the radical change from what was once a derelict building to what is now something pretty and fantastic.
"I genuinely think that Long Sutton is one of the best towns around which is why this project has been worth it."
Long Sutton district councillor Jack Tyrrell said: "Sean and Dana have done a marvellous job and the way people have spoken about it is proof that it absolutely fits in with Long Sutton.
"I hope other people will take it as an example of someone who has a vision for a building that's been derelict for ages and putting it together to turn it into something exceptional."
Facelift for derelict Long Sutton butcher's shop moves a step closer
New lease of life for one-time Long Sutton butcher’s shop
Drinks are back on at new-look Granary in Long Sutton
