Work kick-starts to restore Grade II listed mansion in Central Park
Years of historical deterioration and damage to Pounds House is now being reversed
Last updated 12th Mar 2021
A Grad II listed mansion in Central Park is finally getting some much needed TLC.
Pounds House was meant to be investigated last year - to fully understand how much work needed to be done - but this had to be put on hold so it could be used as part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations.
The pandemic then caused even further delays; but work is now kick-started to reverse years of historical deterioration and damage.
Work is being carried out on windows and window frames, plaster and render, roof and dormers, gutters and the impressive loggia, balcony and balusters.
On 4 March, the Council re-started the preparatory work needed to move the project forward.
As part of a regular inspections, immediate concerns have been raised about the aged window frames. To protect the public against any potential falling debris, scaffolding is being installed over the next few days. This will also assist with preparation works for the wider project.
The Council will now move forward with their investigations into the state of the damage, what can be saved and what needs to be replaced.
"We know that Pounds House is a much-loved, civic building that has been sadly neglected. Ideally we wanted to kick-start the restoration work last year, but like many things, the pandemic scuppered those plans.
"We are now raring to go. With the detailed investigation work about to begin to help us really understand the scale of the repairs needed.
"Whilst the works will not be quick – and could take up to two years, we are committed to moving this project forward and bring Pound House back into use, restored to its former glory!"
Councillor Mark Lowry - Cabinet Member for Finance for Plymouth City Council
Works are expected to take two years.