Major restoration of Victorian council HQ approved

Plans to restore the historical Symington Building in Market Harborough have been approved.

The former corset factory, built in 1889, currently serves as the headquarters of Harborough District Council.

The authority has given the green light for a 39-week project costing £784,000 to repair the building's ageing features.

Among the issues facing the property in Adam and Eve Street are a roof that lets water through during heavy rainfall, the authority said.

The building also houses the Harborough Museum, a library, job centre, shops, a banking hub, and Citizens Advice Centre.

The council said work would start in June.

Scaffolding will be put up at the property as brickwork is repaired and windows are replaced.

John Tillotson, chairman of Market Harborough Civic Society, said: "It is great to see the council taking its custodianship of a prized heritage asset seriously.

"The Symington Building is Grade II listed and an important building which should be cared for and looked after."

The council previously said it also planned to repair faults at the market hall in Northampton Road over the summer.

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