WORK TO restore Evesham’s most iconic building looks set to restart shortly after its owners moved to ease fears about its future.
Doubt was cast on the project when, a fortnight ago, the lead contractor, IGS, collapsed into administration, despite having secured more than £1billion worth of government contracts.
The Grade I Listed Round House in Bridge Street, owned by NatWest bank, has been surrounded by scaffolding and protective sheeting since mid-2022 ahead of major restoration works starting.
Progress to restore the 15th Century timber frame black and white building faltered over the summer months when Wychavon District Council halted work until further listed building planning permission could granted. There were also problems sourcing specialised roofing slates.
Now a NatWest spokesperson has confirmed to the Observer it has appointed a new lead contractor and it expected works to recommence shortly.
The schedule includes repairs to its external historic timber facade, reroofing, new drainage and minor internal repairs.
Following IGS’ collapse, Gill Pawson, chair of Vale of Evesham Civic Society, praised the necessary funding in place for the historic Round House and a similar investment in the Almonry.
But she expressed fears over the length of time the town would have to put up with a ‘blot on the landscape’ caused by the scaffolding and temporary building cover.
She said: “That building is pretty much central to everything that goes on in Evesham and together with the restoration to the Almonry, we are going to have our two most significant buildings hidden under scaffolding for probably years.
“Important buildings in our town centres which should be getting priority treatment are in difficulty.”
As the local planning authority, Wychvaon District Council originally granted permission in 2020 for repairs to be made to some of the timbers on the outside of the building, along with investigative surveys into the timber frame, stone slates and guttering.
In response to concerns about the delay in getting works restarted, Ian MacLeod, Wychavon’s director of planning and infrastructure, said: “Our heritage and conservation officers have been supporting NatWest to help preserve and protect one of Evesham’s most iconic landmarks.”
“These surveys revealed further work was needed at basement and ground floor level and a need for the pitched roof to be removed and replaced. Further repair work to the timber frame and other timbers is also required.”
He added the age of the building that was built in the reign of Henry VI and its Grade I listed status meant undertaking repairs and restoration was a complex process. Ascertaining the right methods and materials needed to protect the building’s character, along with securing an agreement with Historic England had taken longer than anticipated.
He was, however, delighted the council had granted listed building consent for the latest repairs and roof replacement in mid-August, adding he was looking forward to work starting soon.
“I know the scaffolding around the building is unsightly and having an impact on the town centre but given the importance of this building to Evesham, and its national significance, it’s important we take the time to get it right.”
