As the new structure within the old building continues to
take shape, the last few weeks have also seen the external fabric
of the building progress. The Conditions of the Planning and Listed
Building Consent called for Petrographic Analysis and Stone
Matching of the existing stone before any new stone could be
selected. Samples of both the front and rear facades were sent for
testing and, on completion of the analysis, Whitton Fell was
selected as the stone to be used. This will be used throughout the
front, gable and rear elevations for indents and replacements.
Elsewhere, we have carried out a full survey of the salvaged
stone which will be reinstated at high level to form the six window
surrounds. This stone fell from the building due to the damage
caused by the fire and G Hillan Masonry have done an excellent job
in piecing together the stones to allow us to assess what can and
cannot be reused. A series of drawings were produced which
identified the condition and staus of the individual stones to
allow an accurate picture to be formed of the level of replacement
stone required.
The giant stone jigsaw puzzles will be lifted into place in the
coming weeks to allow the final connections with the new steelwork
for the roof to be determined.