Aunty Social - New Futures for Old Buildings
28 Topping Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 3AQ
In 2022, Aunty Social moved into its Topping Street Venue. Fondly remembered as The Card Market and a handy ‘cut through’ between Topping St and the (now demolished) St John’s Market. Following a major renovation as part of Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone scheme, this previously vacant building now provides home to a variety of creative activity.
From this example, it’s clear that repurposing heritage buildings can create opportunities for vibrant new uses that enrich our communities. However the process of refurbishment isn’t always simple.
Join Joseph Boniface and Catherine Mugonyi for a conversation that shares their experiences on the positives and pitfalls of repurposing heritage buildings through a local lens.
They’ll consider architectural and community perspectives on how a heritage building can be adapted to provide useful space.
Joseph studied at the Manchester School of Architecture and worked at Hawkins\Brown in London and AEW in Manchester where he graduated as a Chartered Architect in 2008. Joseph grew up in Blackpool and set up the practice in 2010 which continues to operate from Blackpool town centre.
Catherine is one of the founding directors of Aunty Social, overseeing finance, governance, strategy and creative programmes. She coordinates the North West Craft Network and is a member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, North Committee.
This event will be live streamed, please select the appropriate ticket on checkout.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 19 September:
- Talk 1400
Location & directions
28 Topping Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 3AQ
- Contact on day:
- Felix Bridgewater
- Telephone number:
- +447957602790
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Tickets for this event will not go live until Wednesday 20th August at 10am. Please book through the Eventbrite link. There will be 20 tickets available for the talk in person and 40 for the online stream.
- Booking website:
- https://as-hod2025.eventbrite.co.uk
- Booking opens:
- 20 Aug 2025 10:00 AM
Accessibility details
Ramp available for building access from Topping St. Visitors can knock on the door and request, or text/call 07957 602790 to request in advance. We’re hoping that the lift will be installed in time for this event, however we will also be streaming to Zoom. If you have additional access needs (e.g. large print, level access) please let us know by emailing (using the contact organiser button/link on the booking page); or sending us an SMS text/WhatsApp message on 07957 602790.
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 20
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
