Member Article

York’s William Anelay completes £1.9 million refurbishment of historical landmark

North East landmark Hexham Abbey has seen a £1.9 million refurbishment thanks to York-based construction firm William Anelay.

This imposing town centre venue has recently undergone a nine month long, £1.9 million refurbishment carried out by York-based 267-year-old building restoration specialists William Anelay Ltd and architects Purcells and Turner and Townsend project managers.

Site Manager Andy Gabel explained the scope of works: “When we arrived on site in September 2013, the first challenge was dealing with the Carnaby building which was in need of extensive restoration.

“We spent the first month stripping out the building and returning it to a bare shell. We’ve protected the structural integrity using steel rods in the downstairs area to replace demolished retaining walls. “Most of the work on the Carnaby building has been focused on the interior with attention also paid to roof leadwork, chimney stacks and external decorative stonework.

Peter Ryder commented: “We have uncovered a number of interesting finds and features as a result of the works being carried out and undone a lot of the damage done as a result of reordering projects over the past 475 years.

“As well as the revealing of many secret chambers, fireplaces and garderobes, the works have allowed us to more closely examine many of the stonework features including the Carnaby Coat of Arms.”

The project has involved a lot of reclamation with substantial amounts of stonework being restored and replaced in their original positions.

History will continue to live on amid the refined and recently revealed surroundings of Hexham Abbey thanks to a real team effort.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .