Conservation Engineering firm Blackett-Ord has this week completed a structural survey of the John Neild Conservatory.
In what can only be seen as a major coup for the group, we have not only managed to receive the backing of this prestigious and award-winning conservation business; we managed to enlist their services to inspect the building ahead of a crucial meeting with Tameside Council on the conservatory’s future.
Based in Liverpool and Cumbria, Blackett-Ord are a multidisciplinary team whose portfolio covers the preservation and conservation of a wide range of buildings; from ancient ruins, listed buildings, historic estates and landscapes.
As part of the conditions set by the council for the structural survey, we cannot publicise any content of the report that Blackett-Ord will produce. We can, however, report the Engineers thoughts on leaving the building…
Whilst the key problem appears to be the materials used during the 1980s restoration, the building is probably has a life expectancy of around 5 years.
The building is not about to collapse, or be blown over in the next winter storm; but we will lose it if we don’t act now.