Adams Heritage Centre in Littleport, Cambridgeshire \u2013 a remarkable surviving example of a Victorian commercial building \u2013 has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Historic England writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The former ironmongers at 17 Main Street served customers for over a century and stands as a rare time capsule of local trading history. Built in 1893 to the designs of Josiah Gunton, a Cambridgeshire-born architect, the building initially served as premises for local ironmongers H and J Cutlack before being purchased by John Henry Adams in 1901. It continued trading as J. H. Adams and Sons until 2010, when it was carefully conserved as a heritage centre. The building features original folding wrought-iron gates dated 1892, a recessed entrance with tiled floor, etched and painted glass with original business lettering, impressive full-height wooden shelving relocated from Lincolne’s chemist in Ely (established 1847) and a steel-framed structure that was technologically advanced for its time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The listing recognises the building’s special architectural interest, as well as its social significance. Adams specialised in fitting and maintaining Hagan Norwegian ice skates \u2013 lightweight metal-bladed speed skates popular with fen skaters. The shop became a hub for this distinctive local sport, importing skates from Oslo and developing a UK distribution network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive Historic England [said] \u2018It is extremely rare to find commercial buildings from the late 19th century that retain such a high proportion of their original features. From the ornate shopfront to the historic shelving units, Adams Heritage Centre provides us with a vivid glimpse into shopping experiences of the past. This listing celebrates the importance of our everyday heritage and the value of preserving buildings that tell local stories.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baroness Twycross, Heritage Minister [said] \u2018Adams Heritage Centre is a fascinating building that preserves over a century of local trading history. By listing this remarkable building, we’re ensuring future generations can continue to learn about and be inspired by this wonderful heritage site.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n