External Fabric Repairs at 131 High Street, Marlborough
External Fabric Repairs at 131 High Street, Marlborough
PROJECT DETAILS
Duration
13 Weeks
Location
Marlborough
Value
£100,000
Expertise
Refurbishment
Sector
Social Housing
131 High Street is a prominent three-storey, Grade II listed building located in the centre of Marlborough, Wiltshire. Its Georgian character is evident in its stucco-rendered façade, moulded coping, lead guttering, and distinctive pent roof canopy supported by Doric columns.
Today, the ground floor is occupied by a Specsavers store, with residential accommodation above. Over time, weathering had caused damp issues and significant deterioration to the building’s external fabric - prompting urgent restoration to protect its structure and preserve its historic charm.
Full Building Front Façade
Client Requirements
Building owners Sanctuary Housing commissioned us as the principal contractor to undertake essential repairs and improvements, with several clear goals in mind. A key priority was resolving external damp issues that had led to long-term damage caused by moisture ingress. The aim was to improve both the structural health and visual integrity of the building, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents and to the Specsavers store operating on the ground floor.
How we Helped
One of the more complex challenges was the presence of a timber-framed pent roof canopy running across the shopfront. As a decorative, non-loadbearing structure, it couldn’t support any scaffold or additional weight. Ensuring its protection while gaining safe access to the upper levels of the façade was a key consideration during the planning phase.
To address this, we designed a bespoke cantilevered scaffold, engineered specifically to avoid placing any pressure on the fragile canopy. This system created a stable, temporary platform above the structure, allowing our team safe and unobstructed access to carry out render repairs and external decoration.
With access safely in place, we began by carefully removing the existing cement-based render, which had been trapping moisture within the building’s walls. In its place, we applied a traditional lime render system, allowing the structure to breathe and naturally release moisture while offering long-term protection. The new finish was heritage colour-matched and textured to reflect the building’s original appearance, preserving its historic character.
Inside Decorations Showing the Rear Entrance Hallway
Inside, we redecorated the communal areas serving the residential accommodation, delivering a brighter, refreshed environment that complemented the building’s heritage features. Work commenced in spring 2025 over a 13-week period. Throughout the project, we worked closely with all stakeholders, including residents, shop staff, consultants, and conservation officers, to ensure smooth progress, minimal disruption, and full compliance with both safety and heritage standards.
PROJECT DETAILS
Duration
13 Weeks Weeks
Location
Marlborough
131 High Street is a prominent three-storey, Grade II listed building located in the centre of Marlborough, Wiltshire. Its Georgian character is evident in its stucco-rendered façade, moulded coping, lead guttering, and distinctive pent roof canopy supported by Doric columns.
Today, the ground floor is occupied by a Specsavers store, with residential accommodation above. Over time, weathering had caused damp issues and significant deterioration to the building’s external fabric - prompting urgent restoration to protect its structure and preserve its historic charm.
Full Building Front Façade
What 131 High Street Marlborough Wanted
Building owners Sanctuary Housing commissioned us as the principal contractor to undertake essential repairs and improvements, with several clear goals in mind. A key priority was resolving external damp issues that had led to long-term damage caused by moisture ingress. The aim was to improve both the structural health and visual integrity of the building, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents and to the Specsavers store operating on the ground floor.
How we Helped
One of the more complex challenges was the presence of a timber-framed pent roof canopy running across the shopfront. As a decorative, non-loadbearing structure, it couldn’t support any scaffold or additional weight. Ensuring its protection while gaining safe access to the upper levels of the façade was a key consideration during the planning phase.
To address this, we designed a bespoke cantilevered scaffold, engineered specifically to avoid placing any pressure on the fragile canopy. This system created a stable, temporary platform above the structure, allowing our team safe and unobstructed access to carry out render repairs and external decoration.
With access safely in place, we began by carefully removing the existing cement-based render, which had been trapping moisture within the building’s walls. In its place, we applied a traditional lime render system, allowing the structure to breathe and naturally release moisture while offering long-term protection. The new finish was heritage colour-matched and textured to reflect the building’s original appearance, preserving its historic character.
Inside Decorations Showing the Rear Entrance Hallway
Inside, we redecorated the communal areas serving the residential accommodation, delivering a brighter, refreshed environment that complemented the building’s heritage features. Work commenced in spring 2025 over a 13-week period. Throughout the project, we worked closely with all stakeholders, including residents, shop staff, consultants, and conservation officers, to ensure smooth progress, minimal disruption, and full compliance with both safety and heritage standards.
Value
£100,000
Expertise
Refurbishment
Sector
Social Housing
