One of Nantwich's best-loved charity shops has officially reopened following an extensive 18-month restoration project that has preserved one of the town's most historic buildings for future generations.

On Tuesday 28 July, Cancer Research UK's shop at 42 High Street officially celebrated its grand reopening after the completion of a £250,000 restoration of its Grade II-listed 16th-century home.

Among those attending were Cancer Research UK Nantwich shop manager Lynn Clegg, Area Manager Paul Deehan, Divisional Business Manager Daniel Broderick, Nantwich town crier Devlin Hobson and Connor Naismith MP for Crewe and Nantwich.

The celebrations began with a thoughtful self-penned proclamation from Nantwich town crier Devlin Hobson, who gathered the attention of shoppers and invited guests outside the historic black and white building.

Following the proclamation, Connor Naismith MP cut a ceremonial red ribbon held by members of the Nantwich shop team, officially declaring the renovated store open to warm applause from everyone gathered.

The restoration followed the discovery of significant structural deterioration within the centuries-old building, much of which dated back to repair work carried out during the 1980s and 1990s.

Originally built as two separate dwellings sharing a party wall, the property required extensive conservation work after engineers uncovered historic plumbing alterations that complicated the restoration.

Specialist conservation teams used traditional materials including goat hair lime plaster, linseed-based paint, oak and tar, all carefully tested to meet modern safety standards while preserving the building's unique historic character.

Despite the significant investment, the charity said preserving such an important building and maintaining its presence in Nantwich was a worthwhile commitment.

Rising operating costs, inflation, changing shopping habits, increased National Insurance contributions and growing competition from online resale platforms have prompted Cancer Research UK to reshape its retail estate nationally.

While the charity plans to reduce its core high street network to around 320 high-performing stores over time, the Nantwich shop remains one of its strongest performers and has secured its place in the future of the organisation's retail network.

Cancer Research UK is keen to welcome new volunteers to join the friendly Nantwich team, with anyone interested encouraged to speak to staff in store.

Area Manager for Cancer Research UK, Paul Deehan, said: "It is fantastic to see this historic shop officially reopen after such a major restoration project.

"We'd like to sincerely thank the people of Nantwich for their patience, understanding and continued loyalty throughout the last 18 months while this important work was carried out.

"The support we've received from the local community has been incredible, and we hope everyone will continue to shop with us, donate their quality items and help us raise vital funds that will bring us closer to beating cancer."

The charity is now encouraging local people to continue supporting the shop by donating good-quality unwanted items and shopping locally. A typical bag of donated goods can raise around £25 towards groundbreaking cancer research.

The shop accepts women's, men's and children's clothing, shoes, handbags, jewellery, books, CDs, DVDs, linens and quality homeware, although white goods, furniture and damaged items cannot be accepted.

Manager of Cancer Research UK Nantwich, Lynn Clegg, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome everyone back through our doors.

"It's been a long journey, and I would like to thank our wonderful customers, donors and volunteers for standing by us while the restoration was completed.

"The shop looks fantastic and is fully stocked, so we hope the community will continue supporting us by shopping, donating and perhaps even joining our volunteer team. Every donation and every purchase really does make a difference."

Nantwich's Cancer Research UK shop is open 8.30am to 5pm (Monday to Saturday) and 10am until 4pm (Sunday). For more information, call 01270 625867.

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