“The complete transformation of a dangerous structure on the English Heritage 'buildings at risk register' to this flagship heritage centre, has only been made possible by the many thousands of hours of unstinting effort, creative thinking and first-rate craftsmanship demonstrated by the whole project team over the past year.
“The commitment and courage of St Matthew Housing in taking this project on, has been crucial to its successful outcome. We are all amply rewarded with justifiable satisfaction at the end result.”
Malcolm Lowe, Project Designer at Milburn Leverington Thurlow Architects
Heritage
The history of the building dates back to c1620 when a barn was first built on site. The barn was built from reclaimed timbers that were sourced locally from the Abbey of St Edmund in Bury St Edmunds. In c1700 the barn was converted into a maltings which operated through until 1917 (link to malting process). The maltings was then purchased, along with several other malthouses, pubs and a brewery, by Greene King.
For many years the building was left to the elements and had gradually deteriorated until parts of it were in danger of collapse.
It was taken under the wing of St Edmundsbury Borough Council and became designated a Grade II Listed Building by English Heritage.
Working in partnership with St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Bury St Edmunds Town Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund, St Matthew Housing renovated the building and built five new homes.
St Matthew Housing
Registered in England and Wales No. 1131435
Registered Office: The Malthouse Project, 8 Elsey’s Yard, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3AA
Registered Charity No. 266521
Registered Housing Assoc. HO677
