Temporary roof to be fitted to 700 year old St Andrews Hall in Norwich ahead of revamp
£3.6 million to be spent on one of the city's most prominent landmarks
Last updated 3rd May 2023
One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is to be protected beneath a temporary roof, ahead of a major revamp.
The 700-year-old Saint Andrew’s Hall, in St Andrews Street, will also undergo “intrusive investigations”, with new holes cut into walls and ceilings to ensure the site is able to take the scaffolding required for extensive repairs, and to look for suitable sites for a new lift.
The new roof will be built to allow the project to get under way.
The hall, and neighbouring Blackfriars’ Hall, need urgent repairs, with fears they could close within two years if work is not done.
A recent report said the walls, roof and stained glass windows are all at-risk.
The historic spaces are set to benefit from a £3.6m funding deal that will allow the renovations to be completed.
A planning application submitted to Norwich City Council said trial holes will have to be cut to “investigate load-bearing capacity”.
“This information will be required by the structural engineer to develop a proposal for the scaffolding that will need to be erected to complete the works and the conservation repairs to the roofs and the windows.
At the same time, paint samples will be analysed to see if any original material is surviving. It is suspected St Andrew’s was previously decorated in “bold and rich colours”.
The application will be decided by the council in due course.