- Restoration project begins in August to repair and preserve Holloway Lodge and Coach House courtyard.
- Essential repairs will address water damage and structural deterioration, at these historic Grade II listed buildings.
- Completion expected by the end of the year
Tamworth Borough Council is pleased to announce that vital repair and preservation work will begin this August on two of the town’s significant heritage assets, Holloway Lodge and the Coach House courtyard. This project, estimated to cost £142,000, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Holloway Lodge, a Grade II listed building dating back to 1810, is the iconic gothic-style gateway to Tamworth Castle grounds. Alongside the nearby Coach House and its courtyard, the buildings form a key part of Tamworth’s historic landscape and heritage.
Unfortunately, like many buildings of their age, they show signs of deterioration due to long-term exposure to the elements and age-related issues. Water has begun to enter Holloway Lodge through the turrets and old guttering, causing damage both inside and out. Vegetation has also started to grow in the stonework, further contributing to its deterioration.
To protect the structure, the lodge’s roof will be stripped and re-laid, and the rainwater drainage systems repaired. Repairs will be carried out on the building’s exterior stonework while scaffolding is in place. Inside, water-damaged plaster will be removed and replaced. Work will also be carried out to replace the deteriorated flat roof structure and joists, which have reached the end of their life.
The nearby Coach House courtyard will also undergo important repairs. A large tree stump in the courtyard has caused the paving to become uneven and potentially unstable. There are concerns that rotting roots under the foundations could lead to further ground movement over time.
To safeguard the historic courtyard wall, the work will involve the careful excavation and staged removal of the root system. This approach ensures the wall remains stable during the work, with underpinning used, if necessary, especially around the main tree stump.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement and leisure, heritage, for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see this important restoration to Holloway Lodge and the Coach House courtyard work going ahead.
“This project is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to protecting Tamworth’s historic sites and investing in the future of its cultural heritage. These repairs will not only make both sites safe but will also help preserve two beautiful and important building in our town.”
Throughout the planning process, the council has worked closely with a conservation officer, who has been consulted to ensure that all works are sensitive to the historic nature of the site. The impact of the proposals on the significance of the heritage assets has been thoroughly considered and carefully planned to preserve their character and importance.