The front of Plymouth Guildhall is once again in view following a restoration project of the outside of this historic building.
The scaffolding has now come down revealing the fine workmanship that has been going on behind to repair the stonework. The front elevation of the building has been hidden since March to enable the work to be carried out by Westcountry Stonemasons, who were commissioned by the Council.
As the building is listed, the project has involved carefully removing old material such as lime and mortar from between the stone work which has perished over time. Materials had to be tested to ensure the replacement render would survive more decades of wind and weather and sea air.
The unique wave-shaped awning over the front doors has also been cleaned and waterproofed.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Co-operative Development and Communities, said: "The front of the Guildhall is looking magnificent once again. This is a hugely important building for Plymouth and for its residents and we need to look after it.”
The restoration work began at the end of last year, with the focus initially on the northern Royal Parade-facing side and the western tower, The work involved repairs to the stonework on all sides of the building. Cement used in earlier repairs has been replaced with a sympathetic lime render which would have been used historically, allowing the building to breathe better.
The Guildhall, including Great Hall, Assize Courts and City Treasury, was originally built in the 1870s but reduced to a shell during the Blitz. The buildings survived – by one single Council vote in 1951 – the threat of demolition and became a focus of Plymouth's rebuilding and the most significant survival from the bombed city centre. It was one of the few damaged buildings to be restored rather than rebuilt.
As well as a makeover to the outside of the building, a huge internal transformation is planned to update facilities to attract more people to events, gigs and concerts at the venue. The details for this exciting scheme are being finalised and you will see a new compound being set up for the work in the very near future.