Latest update on the Abney Park restoration

Abney Park update, April 28 2023

Summary:

The building and restoration works are progressing well and is set to be completed summer 2023.

  • Chapel: The windows have been installed, the new limecrete floor has now been completed and the installation of the turret staircase is in progress.

  • North and South lodges: The buildings are now being plastered and the woodwork is being painted.

  • Café: The external pre-cast cladding is near completion and the ceilings are being installed. The green roof will be installed and planted soon.

  • Wilmer Wall: The Wilmer Place wall has been rebuilt.

  • Landscaping and external works: he area around the chapel is being levelled with a crushed concrete surface.

Full version:

The revised completion date for works is currently 26 June 2023.

Summary of progress:

  • Sewer connection: Following a Section 106 application, a meeting was held with Thames Water (TW) on 17.04.23 where the proposed design was discussed. TW identified two spurs off the main trunk sewer that could be used for this connection and advised that either of these could be connected by QLL, rather than TW – a significant time saving. The connection would only need an approval inspection from the TW engineer once made. 

  • Chapel: The limecrete floor has now been completed and the installation of the turret staircase is in progress.The MEP first fix to the welfare links is progressing.

  • North and South lodges: The buildings have now achieved acceptable levels of dampness allowing original finishes to be applied. North Lodge works are more advanced with the first fix and skim coat completed. While at the South Lodge the first fix is ongoing and the insulated plasterboard is being installed to the party wall.

  • Café: Remedial painting to the steelwork, plastering, drylining, and IPS to the toilets are completed and the external (protected) pre-cast cladding is near completion. The plasterboard ceiling has commenced.

  • Wilmer Wall: Demolition of the existing is progressing and findings of non-existent structure to the neighbour’s alleyway (Cotton Exchange) has required a change in the original design to address concerns of loadings restrictions to the neighbour’s side. As a solution, a reinforced concrete wall that is faced with re-used brick from the existing listed wall (complying with conservation requirements) is being costed to remove any restrictions to the loadings. A meeting with Cotton Exchange has been scheduled for 24.04.23 in order to reach an agreement, otherwise, a Party Wall Agreement will be required.

  • Landscaping and external works: Progress was made around the chapel with type 1 fill commenced.

Planned six-week look-ahead:

  • Sewer connection costs agreed and programme of works received.

  • Wilmer Wall works construction is underway and agreed with Cotton Exchange.

  • Dark Fibre civil works costs agreed and works underway.

  • Lodges joinery first fix and MEP second fix completed, with floor finish underway.

  • New Building ceiling and FF&E completed as well as planting to the green roof.

  • Chapel new windows installed, MEP first fix completed and Yorkstone floor underway.

Holly Spice