St Neots · Residential development · Coming soon
The Old Forge
A historic smithy, brought back into use.
The Old Forge is a Grade II listed former smithy and stables on South Street, St Neots, dating from the early-to-mid 18th century. Empty and on the Buildings at Risk register since 2003, it is being converted into five dwellings — retaining the original timber frame, floor structure and forges wherever possible, while replacing fabric that can no longer be saved.
- Town
- St Neots
- Asset type
- Residential development
- Status
- Coming soon
Why it fitted JAW.
The building had sat empty for two decades, with a previous approved scheme proving unworkable due to the structural realities of the timber frame. We took the view that a more considered, fabric-led approach — rebuilding what could not be saved while preserving what could — was the only viable way to bring the building back into use.
Our approach.
Assess
Understand what the structure can and cannot bear before committing to a scheme.
Retain
Keep the original timber frame, floor structure and forges wherever they can be preserved.
Rebuild
Replace fabric that is beyond repair, such as the degraded eastern wall, on a like-for-like basis.
Convert
Turn a single-use industrial building into five homes without losing its character.
Current position.
Listed Building Consent was granted in March 2026 for the conversion of The Old Forge into five dwellings. The scheme retains the timber frame, original floors and forges, while rebuilding the sections of brickwork too degraded to repair. Work has not yet started — this page will be updated as the project progresses.
St Neots.
A historic market town on the Great Ouse, with character buildings worth bringing back into use.
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