The restoration of Gloucester’s former pin factory, a Grade II listed building with roots dating back to the early 1800s, has finally commenced in 2026. This long-awaited project follows the building’s selection for funding through Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, announced in August last year.
As one of 37 heritage sites across England—and among just seven in the South West—chosen to benefit from a share of the £15 million fund, the pin factory is set to undergo essential repairs to preserve its unique architectural and cultural significance. The grant aims to support local communities in protecting landmarks that hold deep historical value.
Located on Westgate Street, the pin factory is nestled in a courtyard behind the Folk of Gloucester, a vibrant event and exhibition space formerly known as a museum. Despite its rich history, the building has fallen into disrepair, making it unsuitable for expanding the community activities hosted at the Folk.
Among its distinguishing features are the rare Yorkshire sash windows, installed in the early 19th century. Unlike traditional sash windows, these slide open horizontally to provide light and much-needed ventilation, reflecting the growing importance of the pin-making industry to Gloucester at the time. Unfortunately, rot has compromised the wooden frames, threatening the building’s structural integrity.
The restoration project, funded by Historic England, will replace the deteriorated window frames while carefully reinstalling the original historic glass panes. In addition, repairs will be undertaken on the factory’s western wall, further stabilizing the structure.
Gloucester Civic Trust, the current operators of the Folk of Gloucester, is committed to honoring the building’s industrial heritage. Rather than serving solely as a static exhibit, the restored pin factory will return to its functional roots, providing affordable community space for craft workshops and cultural activities.
This restoration forms part of a broader initiative to preserve Gloucester’s industrial legacy while transforming these sites beyond their traditional museum roles. Plans include utilizing the factory as a venue for music and theatre events, potentially featuring a bar to enliven the space. Investment is also planned for the historic Cider Mill, another landmark located nearby.
Louise Williams, CEO of the Folk of Gloucester, praised the progress made over the past year: “We have become a thriving space for art, theatre, music, and storytelling. Our record visitor numbers and the positive feedback we receive clearly demonstrate how cherished these buildings are by the public.”
Other South West heritage sites benefiting from the grant include the derelict Toll House at Birnbeck Pier in Weston-Super-Mare and Swindon’s Health Hydro, England’s oldest Turkish baths.