Sheffield roofing specialists, Martin-Brooks, are playing a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most significant heritage regeneration projects of recent years.
The firm has secured a contract to undertake the largescale refurbishment of Nottingham Castle’s roof, as part of a £30 million scheme to regenerate the entire site.
Working with main contractors, G F Tomlinson, Martin-Brooks will be replacing all roof coverings on a series of buildings to preserve the Grade I Listed monument, including extensive areas of slates, patent glazing and guttering.
The main body of Martin-Brooks’ work will take place on the Ducal Palace, the principal part of the castle, which is undergoing a complete refurbishment. The historic building has been shrouded in scaffolding and covered, to enable the roof to be stripped back and its structure overhauled, before reclaimed Burlington slates and new rainwater goods are fitted.
The firm has teams of expert heritage joiners and slaters on site and anticipates the project lasting until the end of the year.
Martin-Brooks director, Nick Brooks, said: “Following in-depth discussions about the scope of roofing works required, we are excited to be finally embarking on this momentous heritage project. Great care is being taken to ensure the materials we use are sympathetic to the castle’s age and character and we are looking forward to discovering its hidden secrets.”
Nottingham Castle’s transformation will be completed in 2020. The multifaceted regeneration scheme includes the construction of a new visitor centre and extensive landscaping to improve the setting of its Listed buildings.
Andy Boam, senior contracts manager at G F Tomlinson, added: “Having worked with Martin-Brooks on heritage projects, we know they have the knowledge and experience to carry out the delicate, yet significant, repairs required at Nottingham Castle. The firm’s skilled teams are taking great care to preserve the site’s integrity and we have every confidence the finish achieved will be of the highest quality.”
Martin-Brooks is listed on the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ (NFRC) heritage register. For more information about its work on historic buildings, telephone (0114) 244 7720 or visit www.martin-brooks.co.uk