Member Article

Martin-Brooks bags model contract at mining village

Heritage roofing specialists, Sheffield-based Martin-Brooks, are celebrating after securing an 18-month contract to refurbish 194 houses that typify the area’s coal mining legacy.

The firm will be recovering or repairing the roofs of all properties at New Bolsover Model Village in North Derbyshire, as part of a £10 million regeneration scheme, funded by Bolsover District Council (£8m) and Heritage Lottery Fund (£1.9m).

Built by the town’s philanthropic mine owners, Bolsover Colliery Company, in 1891, the majority of the grade II listed model village is now in the care of the local council and will be receiving a total re-roof from Martin-Brooks in salvaged Welsh slate. All cast iron guttering is being replaced to preserve the character of the development and roof repairs will also be undertaken to properties in private possession.

Working with main contractor, Robert Woodhead, Martin-Brooks will have teams onsite fulltime for the duration of the project. The works commenced in November and are due to last approximately two and a half years.

Nick Brooks, Martin-Brooks’ director, said: “This is one of the largest heritage assignments we have undertaken in recent years, but we look forward to the challenge and to working so closely with the model village’s residents. These redbrick terraces are a fine example of the investment made in our local communities by 19th century coal mining companies and they boast attractive detailing, such as saw tooth eave cornices and decorative ridge cresting, that deserves preservation. It is a pleasure to be playing such a significant role in their regeneration.”

New Bolsover Model Village comprises a double horseshoe shape of cottages, set around a green and was originally constructed to house miners serving Bolsover’s local pit. It is situated within the historic Derbyshire town’s conservation area, in the shadow of the castle and its renovation will be used to provide training and work experience for local people.

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

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nina Sorby .