Birthday bonus for Brigg Buttercross

North Lincolnshire Council has announced plans that could see a much-needed bookshop open in Brigg early in the new year.
Brigg Buttercross - 200 years old next year and getting a birthday makeover EMN-160920-135939001Brigg Buttercross - 200 years old next year and getting a birthday makeover EMN-160920-135939001
Brigg Buttercross - 200 years old next year and getting a birthday makeover EMN-160920-135939001

Under proposals being developed, Brigg Tourist Information Centre could shortly host the bookshop as part of its range of services in the town’s Buttercross.

The award-winning centre would see a £25,000 refurbishment, enabling it to stock a range of books and also allowing customers to order in new titles.

“Since WH Smith left the town 30 years ago, Brigg has been missing a full-time bookshop, so these plans will be really exciting for local residents,” said Coun Rob Waltham, who represents Brigg on North Lincolnshire Council and is also leader-elect to take over from Baroness Redfern next year.

“The Buttercross is in an ideal location and it makes sense to use such prominent retail space in the centre of the town.

“The Tourist Information Centre’s new bookshop could also be used for events and we’re looking forward to bringing authors to the town for book-signings or literary evenings.

“The Tourist Information Centre would still offer all its current services and showcase the very best North Lincolnshire has to offer.

“However, expanding the range of services on offer will bring even more visitors to the iconic Buttercross.”

Brigg’s Buttercross building was built in 1817 and is believed to have finally opened in 1819.

Next year is, therefore, the 200th anniversary of the construction of the building which has stood the test of time and become a focal point for the town’s market place and Brigg as a whole.

As well as housing the Tourist Information Centre, the upstairs room is a popular meeting place in the heart of town.

Outlining the proposed plans to mark the 200th anniversary of the Buttercross, Coun Waltham said: “A scheme to mark the anniversary with a spruce-up of the building is presently being costed by North Lincolnshire.

“It is a splendid building that deserves our attention and what better way to celebrate its longevity and usefulness than to provide a spruce-up.”

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