Social enterprise wants to develop endangered John Summers building into “beacon of pride and industry”

A Deeside based social enterprise wants to bring the former John Summers Steelworks headquarters building back to its former glory.

Enbarr Foundation wants the Grade II-listed building developed into a ‘hub’ for the community, local business and the third sector.

The striking landmark on the banks of the River Dee was recently classed as one of the most endangered buildings in the UK, it has been subject to regular break-ins and vandalism since it was vacated in 2009.

Enbarr Foundation says it has a “vision” to restore the building to its former glory, developing it into a space for the community, local business and the third sector to meet and collaborate.

Community engagement events (full details below) are set to take place on 10th December, they aim to bring members of the community, businesses and local organisations together to discuss the future of the site.

Those attending will be encouraged to share memories of the local area, it will also be an opportunity to explore future aspirations for the area and redevelopment of the John Summers site.

Developers Pochin Goodman paid £5m for 200 acres of land from Tata which included the general office and four other buildings.

The land surrounding the building will form part of the multi-million pound Northern Gateway regeneration project which has been decades in the making.

Flintshire Council granted permission in January 2013 for a major retail and commercial park, as well as more than 700 new homes, on the former RAF Sealand base.

Vicki Roskams Director of Enbarr Foundation said she has a “passionate vision” to reinvigorate the area making the building a “beacon of pride and industry once again putting Shotton back on the map for technology and industry.”

Listed Status 

The John Summers building which was completed in 1907 was given Grade II listed status in 2006 as were several of the linked buildings in the grounds.

The gardens are also included on the Welsh Government’s historic environment service (CADW) Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales at Grade II.

They were designed by distinguished landscape architect Sylvia Crowe to complement the adjacent office buildings and included a bowling green, tennis court and putting green.

In September the building was put on a top 10 list of endangered buildings by the Victorian Society, Director Christopher Costelloe said:

“This is a fine Edwardian industrial building which should proudly showcase Shotton’s industrial past. Instead it is boarded-up and unused, and every day continues to be at risk from vandalism and theft.

We’re hopeful that the developers realise the value of the historic building they are in ownership of, and put forward a sensitive plan for restoration urgently.”

Engagement events.

A lunch time drop in event – “Your say on Shotton Clock Tower” will take place on December 10 between 12.00pm and 2.00pm at Sealand Youth Centre, Sandy Lane, Garden City. More details here: Eventbrite

A further community engagement event will take place on the same day December 10 between 2.30pm and 5.00pm at Sealand Youth Centre, Sandy Lane, Garden City. To register click here: Eventbrite