Battle begins to save listed Art Deco gem on town's market place

It was one of the best-known shops on a town's once proud market square, with its Art Deco interior and marble counters filled with meat and its trademark pies, until it closed almost a decade ago.

Now plans have been revealed to save the building from the ravages of rot and water.

Whitfield Portfolio has applied to carry out major remedial works to the former GW Frank butcher's shop on the Market Place at Wisbech.

The former GW Frank butcher's shop in Wisbech, which is set to be restored (Image: Google)

It says in a planning statement: "Structural repairs are necessary to rectify timber decay and deterioration caused by water ingress.

"The purpose is to secure the long-term stability of the building and preserve its historical significance."

Temporary props will be installed during the works, which will include replacement of damaged wood along with adding steel joists to provide "lasting support".

Christine and David Williams pictured in GW Frank at Wisbech in 2003 (Image: John Hocknell)

Masonry and plasterwork will also be restored in the four-storey building.

GW Frank, which closed in 2015, had traded on the Market Place for more than a century, run by members of the same family.

Founded in 1908, it was famed for its home-made pork products such as pies and haslet.

A heritage statement said the Grade II listed shop, built in the late 19th century, was remodelled in the 1930s.

David Williams pictured with a batch of GW Franks' legendary pork pies in 2003 (Image: John Hocknell)

It said its Art Deco fittings are characteristic of the new "inter-war style", with their graceful tile patterns and pale marble veneers exhibiting "skilful design and craftsmanship".

"The fittings survive with a remarkably high degree of intactness, thereby representing a well-preserved Art Deco interior of considerable quality," it adds.

The shop also has an "elaborate" geometric black and white tiled floor and full-height white tiled walls, with tiled dado rails and skirting.