Over £1.82m has been agreed by Plymouth City Council to kick start the restoration works at Pounds House in Central Park.
Pounds House is the iconic building in Central Park. Historical deterioration and damage has resulted in the need for work to be carried out on windows and window frames, internal and external walls, roof and dormers, gutters and the impressive loggia, balcony and balusters.
Earlier this month, scaffolding was erected at the Grade II listed mansion house, marking the re-start of the work to restore the building and gardens, following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the Council has agreed to set aside £1.82m to carry out the restoration works needed to protect the buildings historic features and restore the house to its former glory. Work includes:
- Removal of render, plaster and oil based paint to walls. Repair and re-render/ plastering.
- Repairs to roof, rainwater goods, flashings, facias, soffits, eves, dormers, floors, windows, doors and fanlights.
- Repairs to veranda, columns, stone and arches.
- Repair to railings, balusters/ balustrades, external steps, retaining walls and water feature.
- Rectification to above and below ground drainage defects.
Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance for Plymouth City Council, said:
“We are currently spending thousands of pounds every year just making sure Pounds House is safe. We now need to focus on restoration.
“We want to be reopen this well-loved and historic building and make it, once again, an important focus of community life.
“As the building is listed, works will not be quick. However, now that we have confirmed the funding, it is all systems go!”
Information about the wider regeneration project will be available in the coming weeks and a wider piece of work will look at all the options on the future use of the property. This will be subject to detailed community engagement and consultation.
Works are expected to take two years.