Exclusive: Infamous 'Marmite' building is scrapped as new plans for shop and flats is unveiled for Wisbech High Street

Controversial plans for a specialist temporary building, which would have included a viewing platform, in the centre of Wisbech have now be shelved to make way for a more 'sustainable' project.

The Fenland Citizen can exclusively reveal that plans for 'The Gap' dubbed the Marmite building because of the strong reaction it provoked when it was first suggested as part of the redevelopment of the town's High Street, have been replaced with proposals to create a new retail unit with flats above.

Lengthy behind the scenes negotiations have meant that a permanent building can now be built in the space left by the former Cook's butchers at number 24 High Street.

Legal issues were previously blocking hopes of a permanent building, which is why 'The Gap' building complete with viewing platform was originally suggested.

However, Fenland District Council have this week confirmed the legal issues have finally been resolved making way for the new development of retail and residential on the site.

The viewing platform led to mixed views from the public with many sceptical that such a development would fit in with the historic look of the High Street and the conservation area around it.

The plans were put forward as part of the council’s Wisbech High Street Project, which received a £1.9million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant in 2017 to regenerate the derelict former Cook’s butchers site and restore other properties on the High Street.

Councillor Chris Boden, Fenland Council leader and portfolio holder for finance, said: “This exciting change in circumstances changes everything and I’d like to thank the officers involved in getting us to this point. The successful resolution of legal issues with the site means a permanent building is now possible.

“In light of the many public concerns with the original plans, we have now boldly reassessed the plans to secure a longer-term and more economically viable solution for the site, which will significantly improve the appearance of the High Street.”

The council has already undertaken urgent demolition works to the rear of the site as well as extensive soil investigations, which indicated the need for additional foundation requirements over and above those originally expected.

Given the additional funding needed for foundation work, and the controversial nature of the original scheme, the council’s Cabinet members requested a feasibility study to establish the possibility and additional cost required to replace the temporary scheme for ‘The Gap’ with a permanent, income generating solution.

Following assessment of the study members are excited by revised plans for a permanent retail and residential development. They agreed it would be the most viable option as the additional cost of construction would be offset by rental income received and said it would be an ideal ‘regeneration investment’ opportunity under the council’s newly adopted Commercial and Investment Strategy.

Coun Boden said: “Whilst the temporary, community space development for ‘The Gap’ was an interesting idea for Wisbech High Street, it had a limited life span of 10 years and did not meet with wide public approval, with further development and budgetary consequences guaranteed to arise in future.

“Consequently, the successful resolution of the legal issues surrounding the site and the implementation of the council’s Commercial and Investment Strategy, has presented an ideal opportunity to consider the longer-term development plans.

“The site has been an eyesore for more than 30 years. Replacing it with a permanent, retail ground floor development consistent with neighbouring properties together with residential development above and behind it, would help improve the quality of the townscape and create a more economically viable retail area in this part of Wisbech.”

Councillor Chris Seaton, the council’s portfolio holder for social mobility and heritage, added: “This is an exciting new chapter in the redevelopment of 24 High Street. There has been a lot of work both with the public and behind the scenes to get to this point, but the resolution

of legal issues is an excellent result, enabling us to progress the best possible solution for this site.”

Plans for a mixed-use building are still subject to planning permission, and further discussion with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.