Duration

6 Months Weeks

Location

Bath

This project with Bath & North East Somerset Council delivered a £400k heritage refurbishment on a five-storey city centre property, including the basement. Completed over six months, the work combined roofing renewal, façade restoration, internal upgrades, and fire safety improvements, all carried out with preservation in mind.

BANES needed a comprehensive refurbishment to address the building’s ageing fabric and improve safety, while preserving its historic character. The project required work across the full property - from the roof and external façades to internal spaces - including conservation-led repairs, structural improvements, and upgrades to meet modern fire and compliance standards. The challenge was to protect and restore the building’s heritage features while delivering a functional, long-lasting space for future use.

How we Helped

A carefully coordinated programme combined in-house expertise with specialist contractors to deliver a smooth, conservation-led refurbishment including:

Roofing & External Works
The dual-pitch roof and rear extensions were renewed, with partial Welsh slate replacement, new felt and battens, and lead dormer installations. Over 60m² of Code 8 lead was installed at the rear flat roofs and upper valley gutters, minimising joints for durability, alongside a Bauder felt system, and Code 4 and 5 lead fitted to the abutments and smaller areas. Chimneys were rebuilt, stonework repaired, and box gutters relined. Scaffolding was erected to four storeys at front and rear, with counterweight scaffolds internally where tying into the building was not possible.

Through-Tie scaffold to the rear of the building

Roof refurbished with Welsh slate

Stonework & Windows
Bath stone façades were repaired using lime mortar to match the weathered finish. Fourteen sliding sash windows were overhauled with new ropes, glazing beads, resin timber repairs, and replacement panes, all finished in a white satin coat.

Internal Refurbishment & Fire Upgrades
Internally, works included lime plastering, ceiling and floor upgrades, vinyl flooring, VOC-free matt emulsion decoration, and refurbishment of sanitary and kitchen areas. Electrical systems, lighting, emergency lighting, and power were renewed, and air conditioning equipment was removed and made good. A comprehensive passive fire protection strategy was implemented. Twelve timber doors were upgraded with Envirograf fire-retardant linings to achieve 30-minute ratings, including intumescent strips and compliant hardware. Bespoke adjoining doors were created between the building and neighbouring premises to maintain fire escape access without compromising security or heritage integrity.

Doors fitted with Envirograf fire-retardant linings

Project Outcome
The refurbishment has given Bath & North East Somerset Council a fully restored, safe, and functional heritage building, protecting its historic character while improving durability, fire safety, and usability, securing long-term value for the council and the community.

Value

£400,000

Expertise

Principal Contractor

Sector

Local Authority