Restoration Specialists Restore South Wales Historic Shire Hall

South Wales, United Kingdom, July 17, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The UK’s leading restoration specialists Linford-Bridgeman will begin the restoration and conservation of Shire Hall in Monmouth this month.

The £4.5 million project will see the Grade I listed building returned to its former glory by December 2009 thanks to a £3.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund along with fundraising activities and contributions from both councils and other external bodies.

The heritage craftsmen at Linford-Bridgeman will begin preparation work on site immediately with the restoration work set to begin in earnest in September. The contract will see the specialist team from Linford carefully restore and repair the structure of the building, including conservation work on the external walls, repair and replacement of the roof, and the installation of a new lift.

When the restoration is complete Shire Hall will become a centre for the interpretation of the story of Monmouth with enhanced facilities which will ensure all community groups can make good use of the building. The new lift is a significant part of the enhancement process and will ensure all areas of this magnificent building are fully accessible.

The building was originally constructed in 1724 and was designed by the famous architect Philip Fisher of Bristol. The building was actually the scene of one of the most significant trials in British history when, in 1839, John Frost and other Chartists were tried for their involvement in the Newport Chartist riots.

Simon Linford, chief executive at Linford Group said: “Monmouth’s Shire Hall is a magnificent example of 18th Century architecture. Our restoration specialists will work closely with the architects and historians to ensure the building is faithfully restored.

“As the building is located in the town centre we will be working closely with the council and local community to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum during the period of restoration.”

Bob Greenland, Deputy Leader of Monmouth County Council said: “Our aim is to conserve this significant and historic building, to make it accessible to all, to bring to life its rich heritage and to position it as a vital community resource.”

Martin Gill, Managing Principal at Purcell Miller Tritton’s Bristol Office said: “Purcell Miller Tritton as architects for Monmouthshire County Council are very pleased to have been given the opportunity to breathe new life into this important building. We would also like to welcome Linford into the Project Team.”

Linford-Bridgeman is one of the UK’s leading restoration specialists and has worked on some of the UK’s most historically significant buildings such as Windsor Castle, Sir John Rylands Library in Manchester and the recent BBC Restoration winner the Saracen’s Head in Birmingham.

www.linford.com

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Linford-Bridgeman
Tom Grocott
01564 796200
www.linford.com
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