Category: heritage
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In pictures | McLaren’s subcontractor restores Ikea Oxford St windows
Newly released images show how window refurbishment specialist ASWS restored the steel and mansard hardwood windows of the new Ikea store on London’s Oxford Street. ASWS worked in the Crown Estate-owned Grade-II building with main contractor McLaren, who delivered the project in May. Before the project started, ASWS did an extensive internal survey, viewing from…
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McAlpine to revamp England’s largest Victorian water tower
The specialist heritage arm of Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed for a £6m restoration of the largest surviving Victorian municipal water tower in England. The Balkerne Water Tower in Colchester, known locally as ‘Jumbo’, was built in 1882 using around 1.25 million bricks and 142 tonnes of cast iron. It was decommissioned in 1984.…
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McLaren signs £90m revamp of art deco London offices
McLaren Construction has been formally appointed as the main contractor for the £90m refurbishment of London art deco landmark offices Brettenham House. Works began in September 2024 under a pre-construction services agreement. McLaren has now signed the main contract with real estate developer client Helical. The project will involve modernising the interior and creating 613…
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In pictures | Walter Lilly completes major renovation of Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace in south London (Image Wright & Wright Architects / Hufton+Crow) Walter Lilly has completed the first significant refurbishment of Lambeth Palace in more than 70 years – a £40m infrastructure and reservicing project aimed at improving accessibility and sustainability across the historic site. The works were carried out while maintaining the operation of…
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CIOB Conservation Conference 2025: A celebration of creativity
Construction work is often perceived as analytical, meticulous and systematic. Whether it involves design precision, measuring quantities of materials or project management, it is a sequence-based series of activities. While all these are essential to good building conservation, you may think it’s the last place to look for creativity or individual, unique approaches. View the…
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York’s oldest railway structure to be refurbished into brass band HQ
Mike Stancliffe, Network Rail’s principal development manager, said: “This Queen Street site was historically associated with the development of the railways and is now a focus of educational, sporting and recreational activities associated with the York Railway Institute, so this site is well-suited to re-house the band practice room. View the original article and our…
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Conservation conference puts the focus on creativity in heritage
The conference – in partnership with English Heritage – traditionally welcomes a variety of attendees, and comprises talks, discussion panels and case study presentations, with plenty of opportunity for delegates in the audience to participate in discussions. View the original article and our Inspiration here
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Project underway to rescue medieval thatched building
Dr Steve Sherlock, heritage adviser at National Highways, said: “The barn dates from around 1450 and was originally part of the Waltham Abbey estate. It is thatched with water reed and, at 44 metres long, is one of the largest thatched barns in Britain. The rethatching is no mean feat for the team of specialists.”…
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Refurbishment of London’s iconic Hungerford Bridge begins
Network Rail kicked off works to refurbish the 161-year-old Hungerford railway bridge on Saturday (18 January). The structure takes trains over the River Thames between the South Bank, near Waterloo, and London Charing Cross station. The project, which will be carried out in two phases, involves engineers preparing and painting the bridge, testing the truss…
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York Minster’s new solar panels switched on during blessing ceremony
Alex McCallion, director of works and precinct at York Minster, said: “Extreme weather, brought about by climate change, is the greatest threat to the fabric of York Minster. These solar panels signify a significant step forward in our decarbonisation journey and is a significant project of our Neighbourhood Plan. View the original article and our…