Renovation work is under way to conserve The Symington Building 

Harborough District Council is leading a programme of works to the historic Grade II listed building.

The renovations, which will take until March 2026 to complete, include upgrading the building's external masonry, roof and the windows to the front of the building and the tower.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “The Symington Building is one of our district’s iconic community assets and an important part of our shared history that we must not lose.

“Historic buildings need to be maintained and that is why we made budget provision earlier in the year for the upkeep of this landmark building. As the current custodians of The Symington Building, we are investing now to preserve it for future generations.”

The Symington Building is a former Victorian corset factory that is now the council’s headquarters and also home to Harborough Museum, Harborough Library, Job Centre Plus, Citizens Advice, NFU Mutual, Gallones, and Insomnia Coffee Shop.

Although the front of the building is currently cloaked in scaffolding to enable the renovation works, it remains open to the public as normal. 

Anyone intending to visit one of the organisations located in the building may wish to check opening times in advance.

As well as the renovation work at The Symington Building, budget provision was also provided earlier this year for essential works at the Market Hall in Market Harborough. This includes a roof upgrade that is currently under way and modernisation of the lift inside the market which is planned for early 2026.

Notes

1. Photographs below show some of the work needed to The Symington Building during the renovations. These photographs are courtesy of Rhomco Consulting Ltd. Media organisations may use these photographs with the following credit applied: Images courtesy of Rhomco Consulting Ltd.

2. In November 2024, a council commissioned report was presented to Cabinet that included a recommendation to scope remediation works for The Symington Building. Following approval of this recommendation a procurement process started. 

3. In February 2025, Full Council approved capital programme provisions for the works.

4. In May 2025, Cabinet approved the procurement of the remediation works at the Market Hall (see item 12 and 13 on the agenda) and The Symington Building (see item 14 on the agenda).