by
Programme: -
Value: -
Designed and constructed in 1867, the Grade II listed St John’s Hall has been a pivotal part of community life for generations, playing host to weddings, driving lessons, exhibitions, conferences, and countless events. To safeguard the future of this iconic structure, TEC undertook a comprehensive roof refurbishment and external restoration project.
Initially focused on timber repairs, the project expanded significantly to include a full roof replacement, extensive exterior refurbishment, and sustainable building enhancements. These upgrades were meticulously designed to preserve the building’s heritage while incorporating modern improvements to ensure its long-term resilience.
To ensure the successful delivery of the project, the building was encapsulated with a fully designed scaffolding enclosure, complete with a temporary roof. This crucial step allowed work to continue safely despite the challenging conditions. The installation and removal of the enclosure were monumental tasks, made possible with the assistance of a 450-tonne crane. This operation was a key highlight in the project, ensuring that all works could be carried out safely while safeguarding the building from the elements.
The roof underwent a full upgrade, with Spanish slate carefully selected to mirror the original build style, preserving the building’s historic aesthetic. The addition of solar PV panels was also incorporated, helping to reduce the building’s environmental footprint and improve its energy efficiency. Extensive leadworks and timberworks were carried out as part of the roof upgrade, with each component expertly crafted and installed to meet the structure’s unique specifications.
In addition to the roof work, over 30% of the windows were replaced, while the remaining windows were carefully repaired to maintain their original charm. The entire exterior of the building was also repointed, ensuring enhanced weather protection. These combined efforts reflect a commitment to maintaining the building’s historic integrity while ensuring its sustainability for the future.
As an active site, the building continued to host a variety of events throughout the works. This added a layer of complexity to the project, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. Working closely with the client, site planning was conducted a week in advance to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff, which highlighted key times when noise disruption and general site activities were to be kept to a minimum.
This seamless integration of heritage restoration, sustainability, and live-site management highlights the project’s excellence in construction. It stands as a benchmark for how historical buildings can be sensitively upgraded to meet modern standards while safeguarding their legacy for future generations.