A MUCH-loved landmark on Littleport’s Main Street is to be turned into a heritage centre under plans entered with East Cambridgeshire District Council.

J.H. Adams and Sons ironmongers was been an ever-present feature of the village street-scene for more than 100 years before it finally closed its doors in 2010.

A seven-month project to catalogue, record and archive the history of the shop and its owners, the Family Adams Project, was launched by community arts group ADeC and a series of special open days were held.

Now, developers David Porter and Peter Audus have submitted plans to convert land behind the shop into six houses, with space above the ironmongers converted into a flat.

The shop itself however, will be converted into a heritage centre, which will be leased on a peppercorn rent to the Littleport Society for a period of 30 years.

The developers said: “The proposed development will remove the unsightly rundown workshops and create additional needed rental accommodation. It will also hand to the people of Littleport a local heritage centre to be a vibrant community building.”

Jane Wilson, director of community arts group ADeC, said: “The Family Adams Project successfully transformed archive into action and heritage in household.

“We believe that there is sufficient local and regional support and interest to create and viable and vibrant community building at the heart of Littleport.

“We strongly support the planning application for the building, recognising the importance of holding onto community history for future generations to come.”

A decision on the plans is expected within eight weeks. To view the plans and have your say visit www.eastcambs,gov.uk