Earlier this month we welcomed Property Management and Development postgraduate students from Nottingham Trent University onto one of our live project sites. The location was a scaffolded gable at a Grade II Listed former-restaurant, on a blustery North-West day.
The 20 students plus lecturers were divided into three groups, and rotated to experience three separate talks throughout the day.
1. Practical Conservation
Lime Renders and Mortar demonstration and theory; Roofing and Leadwork discussion.
HPR co-founder Gavin described the project’s challenges. The building suffered from water ingress and which areas we were to investigate. Key failure points had been; the chimney, leadwork, slating, render and mortar. This involved ascending the scaffold to closely witness the property external issues.
Scott, our fellow HPR co-founder, undertook a practical lime demonstration on a sample area which involved lime pointing and then lime rendering. He explained the reasons why we use lime, how cement became unfortunately prevalent, and the extent of works that are required from the damage being caused from incorrect materials.
2. Building Surveying and Conservation Philosophy
Surveying application; Conservation authenticity, technical constraints, legibility.
Led by Chartered Surveyors Jubb Clews Ltd, the group reviewed the exterior of the property from the ground and internally throughout to practically assess building surveying requirements. A discussion of conservation considerations was also conducted.
3. Conservation Area High Street
Featuring Visit to Grade II Listed Former Bank; active re-use of land and buildings.
Our Fylde Council Project Manager and team escorted the group around the high street to present a restored Grade II Listed former-bank restoration. The Council had successfully overseen the bank project previously.
Plenary sessions at the halfway point and end of day involved individual feedback and vote of thanks. As a group we also discussed the ironwork process involving external handrail and signage. The signage provided a significant clue to how the now decayed railings were originally patterned.
Although the students’ course did not focus on heritage and conservation (over general construction), the lecturers wanted to offer an appreciation for all types of buildings that the students could encounter in their future careers.
Sharing heritage skills and knowledge is essential for the continuation of preservation of our historic properties. Our thanks to Chartered Surveyors Jubb Clews Ltd arranging and hosting the event as part of the project team, along with support from our client representatives at Fylde Council. The project is a part of the Historic England Heritage Action Zone scheme and Future High Street Fund.
We thoroughly enjoyed engaging in this important educational opportunity, and have since received thanks from Nottingham Trent University for our team’s efforts during the visit.
