Fences are finally coming down as an iconic Evesham building gets set to undergo repairs.
The Round House, owned by Natwest, has for some time been surrounded by fencing but that is about to change.
Jim Burgin, head of heritage services at Wychavon District Council, has confirmed that work to restore the listed building is to begin soon.
He said: “As a Grade I listed building in the heart of Evesham, we want to ensure that the Round House is maintained in the best possible condition.
“After the NatWest bank discovered some issues with the condition of timbers at the roof and upper storey levels, heritage consultants were brought in to assess the work that would be required in line with listed building policies and practices. This is a thorough process, which takes time to do properly.
“Important survey work also had to be carried out to satisfy archaeological conditions before the builders could proceed. This has now been completed and scaffolding will be going up in the middle of June, with fixed protection at ground-floor level to follow by the end of the month.”
Concern over the future of the black and white building has been a prominent issue among Journal readers.
One, David Hughlock, has sent several letters over the last few months to Natwest’s CEO Alison Rose and Wychavon District Council.
In his initial letter to Ms Rose, he wrote: “I write to ask for your urgent help in the restoration and prevention of possible long-term damage to a wonderful building in your portfolio.
“Your beautiful 15th century timber framed fully detached branch in Evesham Worcestershire is named the Round House and located at 2 Bridge Street.
“It could be as special as the Old House in Hereford, or Robert Raike's House in Gloucester, if only I can prevail on your time and encourage you and your team to consider this request.”
Responding to the letters, Mr Burgin said: “We share Mr Hughlock’s concern about preserving such an important and historic building as The Round House in the best possible condition.
“To this end, members of our Heritage and Economic Development and Regeneration teams have been in regular contact with the building’s owners, and their agents, to bring about the necessary improvements.
“A detailed programme of external and internal repairs has been the subject of a thorough listed building consent application, made more complex by The Round House’s grade I status.
“We are pleased to inform Mr Hughlock, and any other concerned residents, that the necessary conditions have been met and permissions are now in place.
“This means that the ground floor security fencing can be removed and scaffolding erected to enable this important repair work to start this summer.
“A timeline will soon be visible on-site to keep the public informed of what to expect.”
Natwest has been contacted but at the time of writing has not provided a comment.
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