A project to help safeguard the iconic Grade II listed Woodcote House building, home to Warwickshire Police Head Quarters, is underway and expected to continue until early 2025.
Cliveden Conservation has been commissioned as main contractor and will be responsible for carrying out the works. The project will entail a full condition survey of the external stonework, mortar repairs and repointing to all the external elevations of the building. Weather damaged stone copings, stringcourses and finials will be removed and replaced to match the original detailing.
To prevent water ingress to the building, the copper sash windows will be made watertight and failed rainwater goods will be repaired. The roof will also be repaired with leadwork and the missing tiles replaced.
The project demonstrates sensitive conservation and the use of expert heritage skills. Throughout the project Cliveden Conservation will work in close collaboration with DSA Consultants (Project Manager), Warwickshire Police and local conservation officers. Suitable Hollington White stone will be used for replacing damaged stonework and a ‘like for like’ mortar mix used for existing architectural stonework.
Raja Khan, the Strategic HSQE & Estates Manager for Warwickshire Police said:
“Woodcote House is the most iconic building we have within our estate and have the pleasure of occupying. Therefore, after a very stringent and detailed tendering process we are so pleased to be working with Cliveden Conservation who have provided Warwickshire Police with the confidence and assurance that they are the Team to work with. I am looking forward to a successful project resulting in seeing Woodcote House restored back to its former glory.”
The current phase of conservation and maintenance work is a crucial step for maintaining Woodcote House. It will help to weatherproof and protect this valuable historic building for years to come, ensuring its legacy for future generations.