The Governor’s House, on Stodman Street, Newark, turned into a coffee palace and trading market

A historic town centre building that has been empty for more than a year has been brought back into use.

The 500-year-old Governor’s House, on Stodman Street, Newark, has been transformed into a coffee palace and trading market.

The grade I listed building was bought by Brendan Minihane in April of this year after previously being occupied by bakery chain Greggs.

The building was built in 1474 and was the headquarters of the governors of Newark during the Civil War from 1643 to 1646. Its original structure has been kept, including the long-drop toilet said to have been used by King Charles I himself.

Brendan is keen on turning the building into a place where people can learn about Newark’s history, promote independent businesses and create memories.

“Most of the building was just unloved and unkept. It just needed drying, warming, opening the windows, putting the heating on and getting the place lived and feeling more occupied.

“It gradually came back to life and with a consistent effort we will be able to create something really special over the coming months.”

The different rooms will be visited and used by customers, be it the music and reading room downstairs, the history room upstairs or the art gallery on the top floor.

“We want it to be a nice, open warm place where people come and reminisce, cry, laugh, joke, sing, read books, tell stories and then we will have poetry,” said Brendan. “Not just for my benefit but to portray this to the audience, we need people back in Newark, forget the building but we need people to come into Newark and enjoy the history and have fun.”

The Governor’s House ground floor has books available for people to read as well as instruments including pianos and guitars for people to entertain themselves and other customers.

Brendan has teamed up together with Tanith Wesson, owner of Cherizena Coffee, to help him run the business.

Cherizena Coffee, established in 1995, will be permanently trading coffee beans, loose leaf tea, chocolate and cakes under the umbrella of Governors House.

Apart from its plans to run a coffee shop, the building presents a twist to the town, as independent businesses will be able to trade from the property, either in standing in person or with a stall in there, either standing in person with a stall or as a concession within the shop.

Tanith said: “The building itself needs to be used as community space. For independent businesses like crafters or somebody who sells the things they’ve made.

“There are a lot of creatives in Newark and we are doing this for them to be able to come into a safe space with other people and sell what it is that they’re selling for a really small fee per day, it also allows them to trade somewhere inside during the winter.

“It is incredible to be able to trade from the Governor’s house, the building itself is so historical and we really want to get much more involved with the Civil War Museum, the castle, the Civil War Trail and the graffiti trail.”

Cherizena Coffee was previously based at The Engine Yard in Belvoir for five years, however when the lease wasn’t renewed, Tanith started trading in markets across the district.

She met Brendan at Newark market in July, who showed interest in having her trade from his recently bought building.

“The opportunity to be in the Governor’s House is incredible, the circumstances that as one door closes and another door opens along with 12 windows and another three doors,” said Tanith.

The owner plans to host events such as poetry evening, theatres, live music and pop-up markets.

She added: “Custumer service is key for us, we want people to feel welcome, whether it’s a customer or a trader, and we want people to enjoy the space that Brendan has provided.”

People who wish to trade from the Governor’s House can go in and talk with Brendan or Tanith about a popup stall for £20 per day or if they do not wish to stand in person a concessionary fee can be arranged.

Businesses such as WhiteRose Aromatics, Victoria’s Lace, Wolf Wytch Apothecary and Louisa’s Chocolate have items for sale in the property.

A pop-up market will take place in the building this weekend (November 25 and 26) and another on December 9 and 10. Crafters and artisan creators are invited to join the team.

The community space is set to be open daily from 10am to 4pm from December 6 until December 23.

Opening days for the new year are yet to be decided.