We have secured funding for, and led on the implementation of, heritage led regeneration schemes including a Townscape Heritage Initiative (National Lottery Heritage Fund) and a Conservation Area Enhancement Scheme (Historic England). Furthermore, we have advised on the heritage elements of two successful Landscape Partnership bids as well as securing funding for the consolidation of Buildings at Risk for private owners from public funds and private trusts.
Grants: Duncombe Park in Helmlsey
At Duncombe Park in Helmlsey we led on the applications for grant aid to secure the consolidation of the Ionic Temple; the Grade I listed terminus to the northern end of the Grade I Registered Park and Garden’s famous terrace. The temple was built in the 1720s and is attributed to Vanburgh who is responsible for nearby Castle Howard. The stone piers were delaminating as a result of the soft sandstone being laid with the sedimentary layers in a vertical position and every pier and much of the carved entablature needed replacing to prevent the temple’s imminent collapse. We secured £200,000 of funding from a range of public and private grant giving bodies to enable this distinctive Building at Risk to be consolidated.
Enhanced Access: Church of St John the Evangelist, Bilsdale
Ed Freedman, our Principal Advisor, is a wheelchair user so we are passionate about increasing access to heritage sites and have advised on numerous schemes. The setting of this isolated, rural church located in the heart of the North York Moors National Park is very sensitive and contributes to its significance as a Grade I listed building. Enhanced access for its increasingly elderly congregation and to support younger members with buggies was imperative but the church community also wanted to ensure that all visitors could access the church regardless of physical ability. We were fortunate enough to work with the fantastic church architect, Peter Gaze Pace, on this scheme and between us agreed on this elegant scheme that doesn’t compete visually with the church and reads as a continuation of the sinuous footpath.
Interpretation: Scott Street Bridge
We are currently working on an ongoing project for Hull City Council in which we are assisting with the production of interpretation for the Scott Street Bridge site. The bridge is a Grade II listed, defunct, bascule bridge (bascule bridges pivot vertically to open with the most famous example being Tower Bridge). The site has inspired various artists over the years including Banksy who left his mark during Hull’s year as City of Culture.
Enhancement to thermal efficiency: Healaugh Old Hall
Healugh Old Hall is a Grade II* listed building. We were asked to advise on sensitive options for enhancing the thermal efficiency of this large, and very cold, historic house. We produced an options list of technical solutions and breathable materials which would work with the solid wall construction of the building thus avoiding potential future issues with damp. A cost/benefit analysis of the various options available was also produced which helped inform which suggestions were taken forward. We also recommended various appropriate contractors who were capable of carrying out the work successfully. One of these was selected for the contract and the owners have been very pleased with the results.