This was a shopfront with real potential as virtually all the original details were still there. It had got rather run down and neglected looking as there had been more emphasis on the garage area itself where the work is done. There had probably been less thought given to the shop area when petrol sales on the forecourt ceased a few years back.

There was rot on some areas of woodwork and the door was virtually unusable. There was a plain board over the fascia but it looked as if details were intact underneath. The decorative grills at the top of the windows were all intact although the front window middle grill had been obscured. The original Edwardian glossy tiles in a deep toffee colour were in good condition.

It was decided to go for a two tone colour scheme of "heritage red" and "light buff" Edwardian colours to suit a garage and spares shop. These colours also give emphasis to the Edwardian tiles. When the old paint was being burned off, it could be seen that there had previously been two-tone schemes of similar intensity. A light Edwardian cream colour was used for grills and window details.

The new shop door is in the same style as the old one and is painted in "heritage red". Iron door furniture to match original iron door furniture on side door. Side door painted to match with door details picked out in black. Door surrounds and shop window in light buff, cream details. Several pieces of window had to be replaced and a turned base at one of the columns had to be copied. Fascia in "heritage red" with "light buff" mouldings.

Fascia has been fully restored to take sign writing direct on surface. An Edwardian typeface has been selected which was popular on railway carriages of the Edwardian era, which is a nice gesture to Wolverton's heritage. Signage follows line of building and takes advantage of corner location.

The Garage decided to fund decoration of upper storey of building. The distinctive upper bay window is painted in the cream colour to emphasise the attractive transom bars.

This really does look superb now and considering its prominent position on an approach to Wolverton, it should give a strong message about the shopfronts improvement scheme. It is worth noting the attractive original roof details including the terracotta finials. The garage area will be decorated to match. Look out soon, for the old petrol pump feature which will provide a quirky decoration (petrol pump donated by Russ Jones, but needs a lot of work from the stalwarts of Stratford Road Garage and friends)!

Painting/decorating/woodwork repair: W. Guntrip of Wolverton.